6 minors killed in Colombia military airstrikes amid growing pressure on Petro – Firstpost

Six minors were killed this week during Colombian military air strikes on an armed group allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the southern Amazon, the country’s ombudsman office said Saturday.

Ombudsman Iris Marin told reporters that “six minor victims of forced recruitment” died in the operation. The attack was ordered by President Gustavo Petro because he was under US pressure to step up action against drug trafficking.

On Tuesday, Colombia’s military said it carried out airstrikes in the Amazon on November 10, killing 19 members of the ex-FARC splinter group. A defense ministry source also told AFP that nine suspected guerrilla fighters were killed in separate attacks in Arauca, near the Venezuelan border.

Petro has stepped up attacks on armed groups involved in cocaine trafficking after coming under heavy criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused him of failing to curb drug production.

Local media reported that authorities were investigating whether the Amazon attack also killed Antonio Medina, a senior rebel commander linked to the violent conflict between ex-FARC factions and the ELN.

Former guerrilla Petro has faced growing criticism and US sanctions over what opponents say is a reluctance to target cocaine cartels. In October, Washington imposed unprecedented sanctions on Petro, his wife, son and a top aide, accusing them of enabling a drug cartel — though it provided no evidence linking Petro to direct involvement in trafficking.

Since taking office in 2022, Petro had supported negotiations with armed groups rather than direct confrontation. He may not run for president again, but growing criticism threatens to hurt his political allies in next year’s elections.