Colombian Judge Orders Suspension of Arauca Bombings to Protect Minors

The Second Administrative Oral Court in Arauca issued a ruling that temporarily halts aerial bombings against armed groups in the department until the government revises its operational protocols. The decision stems from a tutela filed by the municipal ombudsman of Puerto Rondón, demanding safeguards for children and adolescents recruited by illegal armed groups.

The judge gave the president, the defence minister and the commander of the Colombian Aerospace Force two months to modify planning procedures so that intelligence and operational checks must verify the possible presence of minors before any strike. The revised protocols must be communicated to tactical units and include training on international humanitarian law focused on the protection of minors.