Background on Key Figures and Context
The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office reported on Saturday the death of six minors recruited by guerrillas in the deadliest bombing ordered by President Gustavo Petro, in an Amazonian region in southern Colombia.
In the midst of pre-election criticisms and US pressure on Petro to halt narcotráfico, the president has intensified offensives against armed groups with bombing raids that in the past week left 28 dead.
Who is Iván Mordisco?
Alias Iván Mordisco, the most wanted man in Colombia, leads the dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla known as the Central General Staff (EMC). This structure comprises approximately 3,200 rebels who broke away from the historic peace agreement between this guerrilla and the Colombian government in 2016.
US Stance on Narcotráfico and Colombia
Under pressure from the United States to curb narcotráfico, Colombia lost its certification as an ally in the fight against drugs.
The Incident and Reactions
The six minors perished in a bombing announced on Tuesday against a guerrilla camp in the Guaviare department (south), resulting in 19 fatalities – the largest operation of its kind during Petro’s government.
Defensor del Pueblo Iris Marín expressed her sorrow, stating, “This is the painful and inhumane display of war, affecting the most vulnerable: minors recruited due to a lack of protection and now military targets.” She confirmed six minor fatalities without specifying their ages but emphasized that the military must take all possible precautions to safeguard children, adhering to international principles that require careful evaluation of war methods and means to avoid disproportionate or unnecessary harm.
On Tuesday, the army reported “rescuing” three minors held by the guerrilla. Local media had previously hinted at possible minor fatalities in these operations.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, “Those involved in hostilities lose all protection, regardless of age. It’s not the age that kills, but the weapon itself.” His comments were met with opposition criticism.
Petro’s Pursuit of Iván Mordisco
Petro launched a manhunt offering million-dollar rewards to capture Mordisco, drawing comparisons between him and Pablo Escobar, the cocaine baron.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved? President Gustavo Petro, Defensor del Pueblo Iris Marín, and alias Iván Mordisco, the leader of the dissident FARC faction known as the Central General Staff (EMC).
- What is the context surrounding this incident? Petro intensified military offensives against armed groups amidst US pressure to stop narcotráfico. The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office reported the death of six minors recruited by guerrillas in a bombing.
- What is the role of Iván Mordisco? He leads the dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla known as the Central General Staff (EMC), which comprises around 3,200 rebels who broke away from the 2016 peace agreement.
- What is the US stance on Colombia regarding narcotráfico? The United States revoked Colombia’s certification as an ally in the fight against drugs due to insufficient progress.
- What were the reactions to this incident? Defensor del Pueblo Iris Marín expressed sorrow and emphasized the need for military precautions to protect children. The army reported rescuing minors, while Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated those engaged in hostilities lose all protection, irrespective of age.
