Three minors killed in military operation against FARC dissidents in Colombia

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered Operation AMON against a FARC dissident camp led by Alexander Díaz, known as “Calarcá,” in El Retorno, Guaviare, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including three forcibly recruited minors. This offensive marks the official end of the previous administration's “total peace” policy, with the government now classifying non-demobilized guerrillas as military targets. Following this operation, military forces also killed a dissident commander identified as “Felipe” or “Arcadio” in Valle del Cauca. The shift in security strategy coincided with a visit from the head of the US Southern Command, Francis Donovan, who met with Defense Minister Jorge Mora to discuss intelligence sharing.

Consequences

The government’s new policy of prioritizing military offensives over negotiations suggests a deepening of armed conflict in territories contested for coca production. Furthermore, the active coordination with the US Southern Command indicates a formal realignment of Colombia’s security apparatus toward joint operations and enhanced counter-narcotics efforts.

Sources

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