In a tragic development from Colombia's ongoing war against drug cartels, six minors lost their lives during military airstrikes targeting armed groups involved in drug trafficking. The national ombudsman's office confirmed the heartbreaking details on Saturday, revealing the children had been victims of forced recruitment by the criminal organizations.
Deadly Operation in Amazon Region
The Colombian military launched airstrikes in the country's southern Amazon region during the early hours of November 10, resulting in significant casualties among armed group members. Iris Marin, head of the national ombudsman's office, told reporters that the six minors who died were among those who had been forcibly recruited by the drug-running organizations.
According to military announcements made on Tuesday, the operations successfully eliminated 19 members of an ex-FARC splinter group in the Amazon region. In a separate but related development, a defense ministry source informed AFP on Friday that additional strikes in Arauca province, near the Venezuelan border, had killed nine suspected guerrilla fighters.
Political Pressure and International Context
The military operations come as President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure from the United States to intensify crackdowns on drug trafficking. The leftist president, who took power in 2022, has been confronting fierce criticism from US President Donald Trump over alleged inaction on drug production.
In an unprecedented move that escalated tensions, Washington imposed sanctions on Petro, his wife, son, and a top aide in October, accusing them of enabling drug cartels. Notably, the US government provided no direct evidence linking President Petro to drug trafficking activities.
Local media reports indicate authorities are investigating whether the latest strike killed Antonio Medina, a high-ranking rebel commander responsible for orchestrating violent conflicts between ex-FARC fighters and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group.
Strategic Shift and Political Consequences
President Petro's approach to dealing with armed cocaine-producing groups has undergone a significant transformation. The former guerrilla fighter had previously preferred engagement and dialogue with these well-armed groups rather than conducting open warfare. However, the recent airstrikes mark a clear intensification of offensive operations against organizations involved in cocaine trafficking.
Despite being constitutionally barred from running for president again, the criticism and controversies surrounding Petro's drug war strategies risk damaging his political allies during next year's elections. The tragic death of six minors adds a complex humanitarian dimension to the ongoing security challenges facing the South American nation.
The operations represent a critical moment in Colombia's long-standing battle against drug trafficking organizations, balancing international pressure with domestic political considerations while addressing the heartbreaking human cost of the conflict.
