Colombia Opens Military Probe Into Guaviare Airstrike as Child Death Toll Rises to 15

Overview

• The Military and Police Prosecutor’s Office launched a formal inquiry to determine whether the Guaviare operation complied with rules governing the legitimate use of force.
• Authorities now count 15 minors killed in recent bombings since August, including seven in the October 10 Guaviare strike reported by the ombudsman’s office.
• President Gustavo Petro said he ordered the strike to prevent an ambush, later expressed remorse and asked victims’ mothers for forgiveness, and declined to halt air operations despite a request from the ombudsman.
• The UN human rights office in Colombia voiced deep concern over the child deaths and urged security forces to take all possible precautions to protect children recruited by armed groups.
• Political pressure intensified as some senators urged Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign, while the military said the Guaviare attack targeted Iván Mordisco’s FARC dissident faction and killed 19 guerrillas.