Colombia military operation in Catatumbo kills four guerrilla members

A military operation involving an airstrike in the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander, Colombia, resulted in the deaths of four members of the ‘Frente 33’, a dissident faction of the former FARC. Among the deceased were three men and a 16-year-old girl. According to the National Institute of Legal Medicine, the teenager was engaged in continuous combat duties at the time of the operation.

Following the bombing, ground units entered the camp to secure the area. During the process, three soldiers were injured by a landmine. Military forces seized a significant cache of weaponry, including 10 rifles, one machine gun, two handguns, 57 magazines, and over 3,860 rounds of ammunition.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the operation adhered to international humanitarian law, specifically the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, noting that military targets were identified in advance. Officials also condemned the recruitment and use of minors by illegal armed groups.