Govt bombing raid kills 20 guerrillas in Colombia, says president
The deaths come as newly elected hardliner Abelardo de la Espriella ramps up military operations against armed groups.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that 20 guerrillas were killed in a recent bombing raid targeting insurgent-controlled areas, with the operation ordered by the new government. The president disclosed that five insurgents were captured, and two minors were rescued. The assault occurred early Monday in Guaviare, a region in southern Colombia controlled by a notorious rebel leader known as Ivan Mordisco.
Mordisco, who heads the Central General Staff (EMC) dissident group, is considered one of the most wanted criminals in the South American nation. The EMC, a breakaway faction from the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has been linked to drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion. This latest operation follows two deadly airstrikes against guerrillas in August.
Rights groups have expressed concern over the rising recruitment of children and teenagers by armed groups, facilitated through social media campaigns.
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