Massive kidnapping of US oil field workers

[Michael B]

Haven't seen anything about it in English yet, but some of the Spanish news agencies are carrying reports that say the ELN hijacked several buses and kidnapped 90 to 100 US oil field workers who were en route from the fields back to town for their days off. So far no word on any casulities.

[LAIntrocom]

... in response to Massive kidnapping of US oil field worke..., posted by Michael B on Apr 17, 2001

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — After releasing dozens of hostages, suspected leftist guerrillas on Tuesday still held captive 27 Colombian contract employees of U.S.-based oil giant Occidental Petroleum, the company said.

The mass abduction appeared linked to faltering peace talks, and highlighted the perils facing the oil industry in the war-wracked South American country.

Authorities accused the leftist National Liberation Army of abducting the employees late Monday along a highway in eastern Arauca state, near a huge oil field operated by Los Angeles-based Occidental Petroleum.

As many as 100 employees were initially seized from a convoy of buses stopped along the highway, however most were released hours later. No foreigners were taken, officials said.

[Houndog]

... in response to Massive kidnapping of US oil field worke..., posted by Michael B on Apr 17, 2001

So far the reports state that most of the workers have been released.

It appears 92 Colombians that work for Occidental Petroleum were detained on their way home. All but the Colombian Security Agents with them have been released. According to Rueters.

Houndog