The children’s subsequent disappearance into the deep forest galvanized a massive military-led search operation involving over a hundred Colombian special forces troops and over 70 indigenous scouts combing the area.
For weeks, the search turned up only tantalizing clues, including footprints, a dirty diaper and a bottle.
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Family members said the oldest child had some experience in the forest, but hopes waned as the weeks went on.
General Pedro Sanchez, the commander of the joint command of special operations of the military forces welcomed Indigenous people the airport in San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia, before joining the search on May 21.