Colombian rebels kidnap 23 oil workers

Colombian rebels kidnap 23 oil workers

2011-03-08 14:01:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (BNO NEWS) -- A Colombian guerrilla group kidnapped twenty-three oil workers in the country's eastern region on Monday, officials said Tuesday.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as FARC, allegedly kidnapped the oil workers who work for South Exploration America, although subcontracted by Canadian-based Talisman Energy.

The kidnapping occurred at Prince Port, which is located in Vichada, and according to local residents, they were taken onto boats on the Uva River, while local authorities said seven members of FARC's 16th front conducted the kidnappings.

Colombia's army is currently conducting search efforts by air, land, and water. Meanwhile, Colombia's Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera held a meeting to assess the the situation, which has been closely monitored by President Juan Manuel Santos.

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