Daring Escape: French Legion Soldier Breaks Free from Colombian Captors
By Editor • September 9, 2026 • 2 min read
A soldier from the French Foreign Legion has made a remarkable escape from Colombian guerrillas after nearly a month in captivity. José Melo Charry, a Colombian citizen, managed to overpower a guard and bravely jump into a river despite having his hands bound, embarking on a treacherous four-day trek through the Andes to reach safety.
Kidnapping and Escape
Melo Charry was abducted on August 6 while visiting his home in Narino, a region plagued by violence from drug-trafficking rebels associated with a dissident faction of the FARC guerrilla group. According to a senior Colombian military source, he cleverly requested to be taken into the bush under the pretext of needing to relieve himself. Once away from the camp, he wrestled with his captor, secured a rifle, and jumped into a river.
Survival in the Andes
Despite being restrained, Melo Charry managed to free himself while navigating the perilous terrain of the Andes. Over the next four days, he traveled through a region rife with armed groups, taking care to hide at night and avoiding detection. He found temporary refuge among local farmers but remained wary of being betrayed. During his journey, he also managed to contact his family, alerting them to his whereabouts and prompting the security forces to initiate a search.
Current Status and Background
Upon reaching safety, Melo Charry was airlifted to a hospital for medical evaluation, where he was reported to be in good health. The Central General Staff, the largest faction of the dissident FARC groups, had claimed responsibility for his kidnapping but had not demanded a ransom. The Colombian government has been warned against any rescue attempts, highlighting the ongoing volatility and the risks associated with the region's armed groups. Notably, France's defense ministry confirmed that Melo Charry traveled without proper authorization, while a woman who accompanied him during his abduction was released shortly after he was taken.
Source: www.france24.com
