Colombian authorities have questioned why a group of tourists who were kidnapped came to be trekking in an area that is notorious for guerrilla activity.
As reported, eight tourists including two Britons were kidnapped on Friday, before being led into the rainforest at gunpoint. The group were on a trek to the Cuidad Perdida ruins, deep in the jungle some 500 miles north of the capital, Bogota.
According to The Independent newspaper, the country’s vice president Francisco Santos said: “These young people are in such a complicated area – what the devil were they doing?” He reportedly added: “The government will respond with energy until these people are freed.”
The leftist rebel group accused of carrying out the kidnaps, Farc, has denied responsibility for the abductions. According to the BBC News website, the denial will now increase suspicion that another rebel group, the National Liberation Army, is responsible.
