Colombian army frees 57 soldiers held by residents in restive region | AFP

Colombian soldiers pick up their gear and walk away, moments after being released from captivity in a guerrilla‑dominated region of the country's southwest. The troops were freed in a joint operation by the army and police, who also arrested several "alleged kidnappers," according to authorities. The area, known as the Micay Canyon, is a stronghold of guerrilla groups and cocaine production. In conflict‑ridden regions of Colombia, some illegal groups at times order civilians to carry out actions to impede the advance of security forces. They are usually released hours later after the intervention of human rights organizations.