The US State department said on Monday that they are concerned about the welfare of ex-serviceman Kevin Scott Sutay who is being held hostage by the FARC in southern Colombia.
Sutay has been held by the FARC since June 20 and the US department of State confirmed that they are working with the Colombian government to gather more information.
Jen Psaki, a Washington spokesperson, explained that “we are aware of reports that a US citizen has been taken by the FARC. We remain concerned about the individuals safety and well-being.”
“We are working with the Colombian authorities to get more information, and unfortunately we don’t have any further information at this time” added Psaki.
The guerrilla group announced on Friday that they have been holding Sutay since June 20. A statement from the rebels website read “in spite of the right we have to hold soldier Kevin Scott as prisoner of war, we have taken the political decision to release him as a gesture that falls within the environment of peace talks that are being held in Havana.”
MORE: FARC claim taking US soldier prisoner in southern Colombia
A statement from the US embassy in Bogota on Sunday pressed for Sutay’s swift release.
It read “the US embassy in Colombia is to confirm that Kevin Scott Sutay is a US citizen with no current links with the armed forces of the United States.”
“We condemn the kidnapping of this civilian and demand his release” the statement added.
MORE: US Condemns FARC’s Kidnapping Of US Navy Veteran, Demands Swift Release
Sources
- Jen Psaki, daily press briefing, July 22 2013 (US Department of state)
- Declaración de la Embajada de Estados Unidos (United States embassy in Colombia)
