The Colombian People’s Defense Office (ombudsman) reported, Saturday, November 15, the deaths of six minors as a result of army bombings targeting guerrilla groups last week in the Amazon region in southern Colombia.
Under pressure from the United States, which is demanding more action against drug trafficking, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has intensified his offensive against armed groups with bombings that left 28 people dead last week, the deadliest on Tuesday in the Guaviare (south) forestry department with 19 people killed.
In an audio message sent to the press on Saturday, the people’s defender, Iris Marin, reported “for the deaths of six minors who were victims of forced recruitment”during aerial bombings targeting dissident groups from the former FARC.
“Very regrettable”
“All this is very regrettable, it is a war, painful and inhumane, which impacts the most vulnerable groups: minors recruited due to lack of protection and now turned into military targets”M said.I Marin in his message, without further specifying the ages of the victims. He is in charge of the ex-FARC dissident faction, known by the acronym EMC (Central Staff) and led by the country’s most wanted man, aka Ivan Mordisco.
“Military forces must take every precaution to protect children” based on international principles “requires very careful evaluation of the means and methods of warfare to avoid disproportionate or unnecessary damage”However, the comments of the people’s defenders.
President Gustavo Petro defended military operations in the Amazon on Saturday. “Of course, every death is regrettable, especially the death of a minor. But if I let 150 of Ivan Mordisco’s men break through the forest, they would ambush 20 young soldiers stationed just a few kilometers away.he stated to X. I made a decision, took a risk, to save their lives. It’s easy to color the card red. It is difficult to recognize the risks associated with reconquering the region. »
“Anyone involved in hostilities loses all protection, without any exceptions”said Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez.
