Colombia: Airstrikes Lead to the Death of 7 Minors

SadaNews - The Colombian Ombudsman's Office announced early Sunday that seven minors were killed in airstrikes carried out by the military this week targeting an armed group managing a drug trafficking network in the Amazon region of southern Colombia.

These operations are part of President Gustavo Petro's escalation to pressure armed groups in response to U.S. demands for stricter crackdowns on trafficking.

The recent airstrikes resulted in 28 deaths last week, with the deadliest operation occurring on Tuesday in Guaviare province, which left 19 dead.

Ombudsman Iris Marin stated in a voice message sent to the press that six minors were killed in the airstrike targeting a faction that broke away from "FARC," noting that they fell victim to forced recruitment.

She later added that the death toll had risen to seven, including four girls and three boys, all of whom were teenagers.

Marin explained that these minors were recruited due to a lack of protection, making them military targets in a "painful and inhumane war," holding the responsible armed faction, known as the "Central General Staff," led by Ivan Mordisco, one of the country's most wanted individuals.

The Ombudsman urged the military to take all precautions to protect children, in accordance with international principles emphasizing the necessity for a thorough assessment of combat methods to avoid disproportionate harm.

In contrast, President Petro defended the military operation, stating that the decision was made despite its risks to protect soldiers stationed near the area.

He said via the "X" platform: "Every death is unfortunate, especially the death of minors, but allowing Mordisco's fighters to advance would have endangered the lives of soldiers."

For his part, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that the operation was in response to an "imminent threat" that posed a direct danger to military forces.