The public debate over military operations against dissident structures of the extinct FARC gained strength in the country after confirming the death of 15 minors during recent bombings ordered by President Gustavo Petro.
The discussions intensified after the head of state defended the continuity of these attacks, despite the criticism raised by control organizations and different social sectors regarding compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
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The reactions included statements from the Ombudsman’s Office and political figures, among them Humberto de la Calle who warned about what he called a debate marked by political interests and warned about the risk of the discussion deviating from the underlying humanitarian and legal aspects..
In his statement through bombs, it’s the right’s fault.”
The former presidential candidate added: “In both cases there is no genuine moral reflection nor a question of high politics. It is a detestable exercise in electoral politicking. The Minister of Defense has explained well the necessary safeguards and the delicate military needs. “I do not agree with the motion of censure.”
His message concluded with the position in favor of the recent military actions: “I repeat: suspending military actions due to the possible presence of minors ends up putting a greater number of them at risk of recruitment,” De la Calle wrote.
President Gustavo Petro responded to the accusations made following the operations in which the minors died. From his X account, the president stated that he will not suspend the attacks and presented his position on the risks that, in his opinion, the troops would face if the actions against dissidents ceased.
“Of course, any death of people, especially minors, is regrettable. But he did allow Iván Mordisco’s 150 men who were going through the jungle to advance, then they were ambushed by 20 young soldiers who were in front a few kilometers away. Maybe today the criticism they would make of me is because I let the soldiers ambush“said the president.
Petro also responded to the call of the Ombudsman, Iris Marín, who had requested to suspend bombings in which minors might be present. On this point, Petro stated that “if the bombings are suspended, the bosses will recruit more boys and girls because they will realize that this way they will cover themselves from greater military risks.”
The statements generated new reactions and deepened the public debate on the need to review operational procedures and the limits established by IHL for this type of armed actions.
Beyond political differences, the central debate revolves around compliance with international humanitarian law in scenarios where minors may be involved, particularly in offensive air operations.
IHL establishes strict limits in contexts of armed conflict, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution:
- Distinction: forces us to differentiate between military objectives and civilians, including minors recruited by armed groups. Although forced recruitment turns minors into victims, their presence in camps does not automatically make them legitimate military targets.
- Proportionality: requires that the foreseeable collateral damage not be excessive with respect to the anticipated military advantage. This implies that the possible presence of minors must be a determining factor when evaluating the legality of an operation.
- Caution: requires taking all possible measures to verify the presence of civilians and avoid or minimize damage to the non-combatant population.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated that States must adopt reinforced measures when there is a risk that children are linked to armed groups, given their special level of protection under IHL.
In Colombia, these obligations have been recognized by different State entities, including the Ombudsman’s Office.which has insisted on the need to review operational protocols to ensure that military actions comply with international standards.
