Colombia Protests: 79 Police Officers Taken Hostage

COLOMBIA – A police officer has died and 79 others taken hostage during protests in a southern Colombia province.

Police say violence erupted on Thursday after residents blockaded the compound of oil exploration company Emerald Energy.

They were demanding its help to repair and build new roads in the area.

A civilian was also killed and nine workers captured alongside the police officers.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro says he hoped they would be “Unilaterally” released before any escalation of violence, and asked for medical help from the red cross.