French Foreign Legion soldier escapes nearly month-long captivity in Colombia

Jose Melo Charry, a Colombian citizen serving in the French Foreign Legion, has escaped after nearly a month in captivity in Colombia’s Nariño department, according to a senior Colombian military source cited by France 24 International.

The source said Melo Charry asked to relieve himself before subduing a guard and taking the guard’s rifle. With his hands still bound, he reportedly jumped into a river and freed himself before travelling through the Andes for four days.

He contacted his family during the escape, allowing a message to reach security forces. The military source said he hid from passing motorcycles and sought food at a farmer’s home before reaching a police station.

Melo Charry was airlifted to hospital for medical tests and remained under military protection. Authorities reported on Monday that he was in good health. A photograph showed no visible injuries, although the circumstances of his condition have not been independently established.

He was abducted on 6 August while on leave in Colombia. The Central General Staff, a dissident FARC faction, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. A woman travelling with him was also taken hostage and released hours later.

France’s Defence Ministry said Melo Charry had travelled to Colombia without authorisation. The detailed account of his escape comes mainly from the unnamed Colombian military source, and the precise circumstances remain unclear.