An airstrike in Colombia’s Guaviare province reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, as confirmed by the Colombian military. The target of the airstrike was a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), known for engaging in drug trafficking activities.
Though Colombian President Gustavo Petro has previously shown reluctance to authorize airstrikes against rebel camps, he permitted the military operation following the collapse of peace talks with various armed groups. This decision comes amidst accusations from the Trump administration alleging that Petro has enabled the growth of the drug trade, a claim that the president has denied.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the airstrike was sanctioned after the president learned of an “imminent threat” posed by the rebel group to local citizens and security forces. The camp was associated with a faction led by a commander using the alias Iván Mordisco, who is considered a significant figure within Colombia’s dissident rebel landscape. Mordisco was previously part of Farc but dissociated from the group during its negotiations for a peace agreement with the government.
The airstrike reportedly led to the detention of three individuals and the rescue of three children who had been forcibly recruited by the group. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that the recruitment of children by armed groups has risen in recent years, with documented instances of children as young as nine being abducted or misled.
Since taking office, President Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing leader, has sought peace negotiations with multiple armed factions to fulfill his campaign promise of achieving “total peace.” However, peace talks with Mordisco’s group ended after six months due to a walk-out led by the commander. The Colombian government also attributes a recent explosive attack on a military facility in Cali to Mordisco’s faction, further complicating the state’s response to these groups.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jdyx6505do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss