Colombia’s ombudsman confirms seven teenagers died in military airstrikes targeting drug-running armed groups in the Amazon region
BOGOTÁ: Seven minors were killed this week in Colombian military airstrikes against an alleged drug-running armed group in the country’s southern Amazon region.
National Ombudsman Iris Marin confirmed “six minors who had been victims of forced recruitment” died in the operation ordered by President Gustavo Petro.
She later updated the death toll to seven teenagers, including four girls and three boys.
Colombia’s military announced on Tuesday that airstrikes in the Amazon region on November 10 killed 19 members of an ex-FARC splinter group.
The military also reported rescuing three minors from rebel hands following the bombing.
A defense ministry source separately confirmed nine suspected guerrillas were killed in strikes in Arauca province near the Venezuelan border.
The operations represent Petro’s intensifying attacks against armed groups involved in cocaine trafficking.
Petro defended the military’s actions in a social media post, stating “every death is regrettable, especially those of minors.”
He explained his decision was necessary to save 20 young soldiers from an ambush by Ivan Mordisco’s 150 fighters.
The president has launched a manhunt with million-dollar rewards to capture Mordisco, whom he compares to cocaine baron Pablo Escobar.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez asserted the operation was ordered “given the imminence and severity of the threat” to soldiers.
Local media reported authorities were investigating whether the strike killed Antonio Medina, a high-ranking rebel commander.
Colombia’s president faces pre-election criticism and US sanctions for his alleged reluctance to target armed cocaine-trafficking groups.
Washington imposed unprecedented sanctions on Petro, his wife, son, and a top aide in October, accusing them of enabling drug cartels.
The US government provided no evidence linking Petro directly to drug trafficking.
Petro, a former guerrilla himself, had previously preferred negotiations with cocaine-producing groups rather than military action.
He cannot run for president again but the criticism risks damaging his political allies in next year’s elections. – AFP
