Dutch authorities confirm kidnapping of two journalists in Colombia

The Netherlands foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday that two employees of the television program 'Spoorloos', or 'Missing', have been kidnapped in Colombia.

This is a 1998 photo of the Rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia. Source: AAP

Earlier, Colombia's military said two Dutch journalists were kidnapped by Marxist ELN rebels in a conflict area of northeastern Colombia.

The Dutch foreign ministry said it was giving the case its "highest priority" but communication about its efforts "is not in the interest of those involved."

The Colombian military identified the pair as Derk Johannes Bolt, 62, a television journalist, and Eugenio Ernest Marie, 58, a cameraman.

It was not clear from the Netherlands' foreign ministry statement whether both have Dutch nationality.