Bogotá Tribunal revokes restrictions on military bombings near minors

The Superior Tribunal of Bogotá has overturned a court ruling that imposed additional precautionary measures on military bombings in areas where illegal armed groups might have recruited children and adolescents. The tribunal declared the legal action improper, stating that the specific minors at risk were not sufficiently identified and that no concrete military operations were cited to establish an imminent threat.

The original ruling had required reinforced verification of minors' presence in camps before executing airstrikes and the consideration of less harmful operational alternatives. While these specific judicial conditions are no longer in effect, the tribunal noted that military operations must still comply with the Constitution and International Humanitarian Law, including principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.

In a related development, President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed a military strike against a Clan del Golfo structure in the Chocó department. Preliminary reports indicate six deaths and one capture, though officials warned the death toll could rise as authorities search steep terrain. The operation, conducted by the Anti-Narcotics and Transnational Threats Command (CONAT) and the Colombian Air Force, also resulted in the seizure of weapons, explosives, and ammunition.