Colombia judge suspends military bombings in Guaviare to protect minors

Guaviare military bombings child recruitment Colombian judiciary FARC dissidents

A judge in San José del Guaviare, Colombia, has ordered a temporary suspension of military bombings and offensive operations in areas where intelligence indicates the possible presence of recruited children and adolescents. The ruling by Judge Jhoan Aguilera Martínez comes as a precautionary measure while the judiciary reviews a legal challenge regarding the protection of minors in conflict zones.

The decision follows reports from the National Institute of Legal Medicine confirming that three minors, aged 15 and 16, were killed during a recent military strike against FARC dissidents in the El Retorno municipality. The court has mandated that the Ministry of Defense, the Army, the Air Force, and the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) provide detailed reports within 48 hours regarding the protocols used to identify children in target areas.

President Abelardo de la Espriella and the Ministry of Defense have defended previous military operations, arguing that armed groups use minors as combatants and human shields. However, the judicial order requires the military to evaluate civilian risks and intelligence reports specifically related to child recruitment before executing aerial strikes to prevent irreparable harm to minors.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombia · Colombian Ministry of Defense · FARC · Guaviare · Jhoan Aguilera Martínez · Roxemhberg Rozo · Roxemhberg Rozo Sánchez

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] The legal action was filed by Roxemhberg Rozo Sánchez to protect the fundamental rights of children and adolescents victims of forced recruitment. elnacional.com.py · deultimominuto.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · www.radiosantafe.com · www.elespectador.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Forensic authorities confirmed that three minors between the ages of 15 and 16 died during a recent military operation against FARC dissidents. elnacional.com.py · deultimominuto.com · elnuevodiario.com.do
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Defense, Army, Air Force, and the Colombian Family Welfare Institute must report their protocols for identifying minors in military zones within 48 hours. deultimominuto.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · www.radiosantafe.com
[● 5 SOURCES] A judge in San José del Guaviare ordered a temporary suspension of military bombings in areas where intelligence suggests the presence of minors. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · www.radiosantafe.com · www.elespectador.com
[● 2 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella defended the bombings, stating that armed groups are responsible for using minors as combatants or human shields. elnacional.com.py · www.tn23.tv