Colombian justice system restricts bombings in the presence of minors in conflict zones
A Bogotá court has issued a provisional order requiring the Government of Colombia and its Military Forces to refrain from carrying out bombings against armed groups in areas where there is information regarding the presence of children and adolescents. This decision arises in response to a guardianship action (tutela) that seeks to safeguard the life and integrity of minors involuntarily involved in the conflict.
The background of the judicial measure
The 34th Family Judge of Bogotá, Viviana Arciniegas, determined that offensive air operations must be temporarily suspended. The measure will remain in effect while the merits of the injunction are resolved and the necessary protection protocols are verified. The ruling emphasizes that military actions may only be carried out if it is demonstrated that there is no less harmful alternative to achieve a legitimate objective, always prioritizing the best interests of minors.
The court order requires the Presidency, the Ministry of Defense, and the various State forces to implement immediate measures to guarantee the protection of the child population against military operations.
Debate on military operations and recruitment
The controversy intensified after a military operation in El Retorno, Guaviare, where ten people lost their lives. Legal Medicine confirmed that three of the deceased were minors, aged 15 and 16. Although the Government defended the legality of the operation by arguing that the youths were part of armed structures, the event reopened an intense national debate regarding procedures in the use of air force.
- The measure is provisional while a final decision is issued.
- Failure to comply with this court order could lead to direct sanctions for the responsible officials.
- The Ombudsman’s Office has recorded alarming figures of forced recruitment, with more than 1,100 cases reported between 2024 and mid-2026.
This issue adds to previous events, such as the bombing in the Catatumbo region on August 10th, where the death of a minor was also reported. With this new directive, the Colombian judicial system seeks to force a strict review of precautionary measures before any attack, focusing on the humanitarian crisis represented by child recruitment by outlaw organizations.
