Colombia Airstrike Kills 7 Children, Raising Fears Over Military Tactics
Image Source: Internet
BOGOTA, Colombia — The airstrike that killed 7 children in Colombia's Guaviare province has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the country's military tactics. According to Iris Marin, the country's human rights ombudswoman, the children were among 19 rebel fighters killed in the strike, which targeted the FARC-EMC rebel group. Marin condemned the use of children as 'human shields' and called on both the government and rebel groups to respect international humanitarian law. The public defender initially reported 6 child deaths, but updated the toll after forensic evidence confirmed the higher number. Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended the airstrike, saying it was necessary to protect government troops. However, his decision has drawn criticism from human rights groups and some officials, who argue that the military could have taken more precautions to avoid civilian casualties. The deaths of children in military strikes are a sensitive topic in Colombia, where a previous government was accused of covering up the deaths of 8 children in a 2019 airstrike. The incident led to the resignation of the defense minister. Colombia's military has been struggling to contain the expansion of rebel groups, which have taken over territory abandoned by the FARC guerrilla group in 2016. The government's decision to resume airstrikes against rebels has been criticized by human rights groups, who argue that it puts civilians at risk. President Petro has suspended airstrikes in the past, but resumed them last year as the government struggles to contain the expansion of rebel groups. The incident has reignited the debate over the use of military force in Colombia and the need for greater protections for civilians and child soldiers.
