Colombia may begin air strikes on illegal armed groups again, announced the Defense Minister, Ivan Velasquez, on Tuesday.
It hinges on ensuring minors are not in harm’s way, based on intelligence reports. These groups often recruit children to deter such attacks.
Previously, Colombia’s air force played a crucial role in pushing the FARC rebels towards a 2016 peace agreement.
Afterward, they targeted other groups like the ELN and the Clan del Golfo.
In August 2022, President Gustavo Petro halted bombings to protect civilians, including children forced into these groups.
This pause reflected his commitment to achieving total peace and ending Colombia’s long-standing internal conflict, which has cost over 450,000 lives.
The government is in talks with FARC offshoots, the Estado Mayor Central the Segunda Marquetalia, and the ELN.
Meanwhile, the Clan del Golfo has been given a chance to surrender in exchange for reduced sentences, but no progress has been reported.
Ceasefires with the ELN and EMC mean they will not be targeted in bombings, as Velasquez confirmed.
In its pursuit of peace, the Petro administration is navigating complex negotiations with various armed factions.
These discussions aim to resolve the deep-seated issues driving conflict and involve society in building a durable peace.
However, challenges persist, including legal frameworks for demobilization and the contentious role of criminal bands in the peace process.