Colombia’s military operations killed 15 children abducted by guerrillas since August, with President Petro expressing regret but refusing to halt strikes
BOGOTÁ: Colombian military strikes targeting guerrilla fighters have killed 15 abducted children since August, authorities confirmed on Monday.
President Gustavo Petro reported five child deaths in two recent bombings, while the human rights ombudsman’s office documented seven others.
Colombia’s National Institute of Legal Medicine later confirmed three minors died during August 24 strikes in Guaviare department.
All were “victims of forced recruitment by criminals who led them into hostilities,” Petro stated on social media platform X.
Military and prosecutors have opened an investigation into an October 10 attack that killed 19 guerrillas and seven children.
The UN Human Rights Office in Colombia expressed “deep concern” over the minor fatalities.
UN officials urged security forces to maximize efforts protecting children kidnapped by armed groups.
One child is abducted every two days on average in Colombia, often for combat training.
Petro said he ordered the bombings to protect soldiers’ lives but regretted the “painful loss” of children.
“I will carry this sorrow in my conscience,” he wrote, asking forgiveness from the victims’ mothers.
The president refused a request from the ombudsman’s office to halt strikes against FARC dissident factions.
Prosecutors reported over 1,100 children were abducted by armed groups between 2019 and 2023.
From 1996 to 2016, the number reached as high as 23,800 child abductions. – AFP
