Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The death of at least 15 minors in four airstrikes authorized by the Colombian government has triggered a wave of ethical, political and legal questions over the use of force in areas where armed groups that recruit children and teenagers operate.
The Office of the Ombudsman announced an investigation to determine whether principles such as proportionality in the use of force were violated.
The agency's director, Iris Marín, said "the presence of minors in armed camps does not justify an attack." She urged President Gustavo Petro and the Ministry of Defense to suspend airstrikes while authorities review new cases of minors killed in recent operations.
Although at the beginning of his term Petro promised to negotiate with armed groups to achieve 'total peace,' deadly bombings have intensified in recent months.
Related
