The recent rescue of three minors who remained in the hands of an illegal armed structure in Guaviare department has highlighted the concern of Colombian authorities about the use of minors in criminal activities. According to El Espectador, the released children and teenagers were found during a series of joint actions carried out between the army and the National Police, which began in the early hours of Monday in that national territory located in the south-east of the country, which has been the scene of repeated armed conflicts.
The operation was carried out as part of an offensive against dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) led by Nestor Gregorio Vera Fernandez, known as “Ivan Mordesco.” According to information published by El Espectador newspaper, the intervention led to the death of about 25 people, who were identified as alleged members of the armed group that was investigated. Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, confirmed this through his account on the social networking site
During a coordinated press conference between the military command and the Ministry of Defence, reported by El Espectador and Radio W, spokesmen for the armed forces explained that at least 19 individuals, considered members of the column led by Ivan Mordescu, were killed during the operation. This number is partial due to the continuing confrontations in the region. In addition, 11 rifles were seized, which represents a decrease in the illegal organization’s firepower, according to El Espectador newspaper.
The operation was officially described as large-scale due to coordination between the various branches of the public force. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez explained that the scale of the operation and the result obtained reflect the strength of the detailed intervention between the army and the police, and stressed that the rescue of the minors demonstrates the state’s commitment against forced conscription, one of the most serious charges against the dissidents led by Vera Fernandez.
In addition to the armed confrontation and casualties among dissidents, the Colombian government maintains a reward strategy in place to encourage information about Ivan Mordesco’s whereabouts. According to El Espectador newspaper, the reward offered amounts to five million pesos, which exceeds 1,100 euros, in an attempt to increase pressure on the leaders of the remaining armed groups.
Dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia under the command of Vera Fernandez have been accused of various crimes, including terrorism, murder against persons under judicial and social protection, as well as actions against community leaders. Moreover, exploitation of minors and links to drug trafficking are among the documented accusations against this structure which, after the main demobilization of the FARC, maintains active armed fronts in areas such as Guaviare.
El Espectador newspaper stressed that neutralizing and disarming these structures is a priority in the Colombian state’s security agenda. The executive authority denounced the violence practiced by these groups and the use of minors in armed actions, stressing the importance of restoring regional security and ensuring the protection of the civilian population from crimes resulting from the armed conflict.
Meanwhile, military and security measures continue in the region, as the campaign carried out aims not only to arrest Ivan Mordescu, but also to put an end to the criminal activities of his subordinates. Government sources consulted by El Espectador indicated that the intervention in Guaviare is part of a broader operational plan aimed at dismantling the nucleus of armed groups that remained after the peace process with the FARC.
Persecuting officials and dismantling their logistical and recruitment networks feature prominently in the next steps being analyzed by the government. The strategy includes intelligence work, continuous military presence, and coordinated legal procedures at various administrative and judicial levels, according to what sources in the Ministry of Defense explained to the aforementioned media.
The authorities insist, as reported by El Espectador, that the protection of minors remains a central priority due to the frequency of forced recruitment practices that have been discovered in areas with a strong illegal armed presence. Furthermore, the impact of the operation on smuggling routes and illicit interests of dissidents is cause for continued evaluation within the National Security Strategy.
While investigations and operations continue, public opinion and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the government’s actions in Guaviare. The provisional balance that was published raises expectations of new reports clarifying the circumstances and final results of the operation, and more details about it are expected in the following days, according to the coverage of the newspaper “El Espectador.”
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