Colombian authorities have rescued 27 out of 72 soldiers who were held captive in the southwest of the country in an area controlled by rebel fighters and a key zone for cocaine production.

In a statement on Sunday, the military noted 45 soldiers “remain deprived of their liberty under the guerrilla regime”.

“The National Army maintains a presence in the area, taking steps to restore order and ensure the return of the kidnapped personnel,” it added.

The incident took place in the Micay Canyon in the Cauca Department, in an area known for coca crops and a rebel faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), known as the Central General Staff, that has been attacking military positions.

According to the army, the soldiers had been taking part in a military operati

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