At least 19 people have been killed in an air strike on a suspected rebel camp in Colombian province of Guaviare, according to the country's military.
The attack targeted a dissident faction of the Farc rebel group, which engages in drug trafficking.
Colombia's left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, had previously been reluctant to use air strikes against rebel camps, but after peace talks with several armed groups broke down, he authorized the military offensive.
This operation comes on the heels of accusations from the Trump administration that Petro's policies have allowed drug trafficking to expand, claims that Petro has vehemently denied.
Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that President Petro approved the air strike after recognizing the imminent threat posed by the group to the local population and security forces.
Sánchez indicated that the camp belonged to a dissident group led by a commander known as Iván Mordisco, who was previously part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) but split from the organization during peace negotiations.
Mordisco's group, considered one of the most powerful dissident factions, is involved in illegal activities such as mining, extortion, and drug trafficking. Sánchez characterized Mordisco as one of Colombia's most dangerous criminals.
During the military operation, three individuals were detained, and three children—who had been forcibly recruited by the group—were rescued.
The forced recruitment of children by armed organizations has seen an increase in Colombia, with reports detailing abductions and promises of false opportunities.
Since his inauguration, Petro opened peace talks with various armed factions in line with his 'total peace' campaign promise. However, negotiations with Mordisco's faction broke down after six months.
The Colombian government attributes a deadly explosive attack on a military facility in Cali in August to Mordisco's group, further straining the relationship between the government and dissident rebels.
Petro faces significant pressure from the United States to combat drug trafficking, especially as Colombia remains the world's largest cocaine producer. Recent sanctions from the U.S. treasury have targeted Petro due to perceived inaction against drug cartels.
In response to U.S. measures, Petro has condemned U.S. actions in the Caribbean and Pacific that allegedly resulted in numerous casualties and suspended intelligence sharing with U.S. security agencies.
Petro reiterated that the fight against drugs must prioritize the human rights of affected communities.
