Army deployed in hunt for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad after ‘two killed in shoot-out’

THE military has been deployed to hunt for Luis Diaz's dad after the Liverpool star's parents were kidnapped in Colombia.

It comes after earlier reports suggested Luis Manuel Diaz was rescued during a police shoot-out that left two of his captors dead.

The Liverpool FC striker's parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.

His mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives, with Diaz's dad still reportedly missing.

Liverpool FC released a statement today confirming it was aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz's parents.

"It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity," they said.

"In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said it was a "worrying situation for all of us".

Colombian police have announced that they are prepared to reward anyone who will provide crucial information into the kidnapping of Diaz's dad with £40,000.

Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, said: “In an operation in Barrancas, Luis Díaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father.”

William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, the director general of Colombia’s National Police force said there are currently more than 240 agents from the Military Forces and Police on the hunt for Luis Manuel Diaz.

"There is a very intense operation, not only on the border but in sectors that could be escape routes for the kidnapped people. There are more than 130 members of the Police, 110 members of the National Army," he .

Ramirez was also today filmed speaking with Diaz on his mobile phone from an undisclosed location in La Guajira where he travelled to after the kidnap took place.

He told the footballer, referring to him by his nickname of Lucho: “Dear Lucho, you’re talking to William Salamanca the director of Colombia’s National Police.

“I am here in La Guajira on the orders of Colombia’s President to lead and supervise the operation to rescue your father.

“Last night we managed to rescue your mother and she is safe and well.

“We are here and using all the air and land resources available with the support of the Colombian Army".

The police chief spoke to the Liverpool player after Colombia’s Ambassador to the UK Roy Barreras described the kidnap of Luis’ parents as “miserable” and said their liberation was being seen as a “national priority.”

He said in a direct message to the captors after it was confirmed Cilenis had been rescued but Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing amid fears he was already in Venezuela: “Mr kidnappers: In addition to a heinous crime, you have committed a terrible mistake!

“You have offended the flag of Colombia, the shirt that I am sure you have also worn to shout the goals of the Colombian National Team that unites us all.

"You still have time. Avoid a greater tragedy. It will turn out badly for you! Correct the error Free Lucho Díaz's father now.”

The Colombian army said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: "Army troops support the search operation for the parents of soccer player Luis Díaz, who apparently are victims of kidnapping."

Diaz has not been included in Liverpool's squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer's dad had been freed following a shoot-out with police which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.

The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors headed towards Colombia’s border with Venezuela.

They reportedly had the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.

But there has not yet been any official confirmation, however, that Luis Diaz’s dad has been rescued.

The reports emerged as a man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.

Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.

“They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.

“There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.

“They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.

“The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”

Responding to claims there was an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Medina said: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet.

“It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her.

“We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”

He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there’s never been any talk of threats.

“He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.

“But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas.

“The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality.”

Diaz is Colombia's biggest star and has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for the national side.

His father previously revealed the Liverpool ace suffered from an illness which caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight.

The tricky winger went from "chubby" to extremely skinny which could've cost him his life.

Diaz was born and raised in the heartland of Colombia's largest indigenous community.

His football skills impressed scouts, including Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.

After scoring seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas, Diaz’s career began to take off.

Atletico Junior sent him on loan to Barranquilla, where he was put on a special diet to gain 10kg.

Diaz crossed the Atlantic to join Porto in 2019, before moving to Liverpool in January 2022.