Colombia to suspend aerial bombings against armed groups

Colombia’s new left-wing government has said it will suspend aerial bombings targeting armed groups, in an effort to minimise the deaths of civilians and children who have been forcibly recruited into the organisations.

Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez told reporters on Thursday that the move was a symbol of the government’s willingness to engage in possible talks with armed groups.

It marks a shift in Colombia’s strategy against leftist rebels and drug-trafficking gangs amid a recent uptick in violence, especially in remote parts of the country.

“The bombings must be suspended. We’re going to evaluate the specific moment in which an absolute guideline can be established, but that is the direction we want to take,” Velasquez said.

“Children forcibly recruited by illegal groups are victims of this violence,” he added. “Therefore no military action with respect to illegal armed organisations can endanger the lives of these victims.

Agencies