BTN News: The Colombian government has started military operations again with bombings in the southwest of the country. This decision comes after a drone attack on Tuesday that killed a 10-year-old boy and hurt six others. The new operations are aimed at fighting dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
General Federico MejÃa confirmed the incident on social media. He said that young Dylan was killed by grenades launched from drones attacking troops in the Micay Canyon, located in the Cauca department. This is the first time a civilian has been killed by a drone attack in Colombia, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense. The ministry blames a group of FARC dissidents for the attack.
Defense Minister Iván Velásquez said the bombings on Wednesday were not aimed at people but were needed to help soldiers arrive safely in the area. The bombings were done to prevent harm from possible landmines and explosives. This is a big change because the Colombian military had not used bombings for almost two years under President Gustavo Petro. Petro, the country’s first leftist president, has been trying to make peace with various guerrilla groups and gangs in his goal for “total peace.”
The grenade that killed Dylan landed on a football field in El Plateado, a town in the Argelia municipality of Cauca. The explosion happened shortly after 9 PM local time on Tuesday. Six others were hurt in the attack, according to the Army. General MejÃa said that the dissident leader, known as “alias Giovanni,” was responsible for the attack.
Increase in Illegal Activities and Rebel Attacks
General MejÃa said the rebel attack in El Plateado was a response to government actions against guerrilla groups trying to control illegal activities. The Micay Canyon, home to El Plateado, is a mountainous area known for its coca plantations, which are used to make cocaine. The Army has sent over 800 soldiers to the Cauca department with the mission to capture and stop rebel leaders. The Ministry of Defense is offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of Giovanni, a leader of the Carlos Patiño front, who broke a ceasefire during peace talks with other FARC dissident groups.
New Use of Drone Attacks in the Conflict
In June, the Army reported 17 drone attacks in six weeks. This is a new method in Colombia’s long conflict. The guerrillas have started using drones to launch explosives, a technology not yet used by the government. AFP got intercepted phone call transcripts showing dissidents planning drone attacks.
After a drone attack on a police station on June 7, the mayor’s office in Popayán, Cauca’s capital, banned drone flights. Critics say ceasefires with groups like the Central General Staff (EMC), the largest FARC dissident group, have weakened public order.
Continuing Fighting and Future Hopes for Peace
President Petro said on social media that there is no ceasefire with EMC in Cauca, leading to continued fighting. He accused EMC of recruiting and killing children to push for a ceasefire. The Army has increased operations against thousands of guerrillas led by rebel leader Iván Mordisco, who started peace talks last year but left in April. Since then, half of EMC has stayed in talks, while the other half has increased attacks against the military and civilians in their areas.
In another incident, authorities reported that 13 people, including children, were kidnapped near the Venezuelan border. No armed group has claimed responsibility for this kidnapping.
Conclusion
The Colombian government’s decision to restart military bombings is a key moment in its fight against FARC dissidents. The sad death of young Dylan and the use of drones in attacks show the changing nature of this conflict. As peace talks go on during new violence, the Colombian military remains focused on capturing rebel leaders and restoring order in troubled areas like Cauca. The future of Colombia’s peace efforts is uncertain as both government forces and dissidents deal with this complex and dangerous situation.
