Overview
- Colombia’s Legal Medicine institute confirmed 15 minors were killed in air operations from August to November in Amazonas, Guaviare and Arauca targeting FARC dissidents.
- The Ombudsman’s Office opened an investigation into proportionality in the use of force, and director Iris Marín urged a pause, saying the presence of minors does not justify attacks.
- President Gustavo Petro rejected suspending bombings, asserted compliance with international humanitarian law, and apologized to the mothers of seven youths killed in Guaviare.
- Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said operations will continue against the EMC faction led by Iván Mordisco, arguing the targets were legitimate and blaming armed groups for forced recruitment.
- Lawmakers filed a no-confidence motion against Sánchez as rights groups question legality, the Democratic Center said it will not back censure, and officials cite a surge in child recruitment reflected in recent UN data.