Colombian National Army within the framework of the Ayacucho Plus campaign plan, report the recovery of two minors who had been forcibly recruited by the Residual Organized Armed Group Structura Primera Armando Ríos.
These actions show, once again, the persistence of Organized Armed Groups in flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, by continuing to use children and adolescents in their structures through deception and pressure.
Soldiers of the 24th Infantry Battalion General Luis Camacho Leyva, attached to the Twenty-Second Rainforest Brigade, deployed all their institutional resources to work for the safe recovery of minors, prioritizing their wellbeing and protection against the abuses committed by the residual GAO.
During the military operation carried out in the village of Gaitana, in the municipality of Calamar, department de Guaviare, two young people aged 16 and 17, from the department of Cauca, voluntarily surrendered to the troops. As it could be established, the minors initially belonged to the GAO-r Jaime Martínez and were brought by order of alias Marlon to the Armando Ríos structure, under the command of alias Paisa Duber.
At the time of their surrender, the young men were carrying an assault rifle, three magazines, 239 cartridges and a motorcycle, which were put into custody of the authorities.
Once their protection was assured, the minors were put in the custody of the Colombian Family Wellbeing Institute (ICBF), which immediately began the process of restoring their rights, providing them with medical assistance, psychological accompaniment and the necessary commitments for their comprehensive recovery process.
This humanitarian operation highlights the commitment of Colombian National Army in the protection of children and in the determined fight against forced recruitment by illegal structures.
The Fourth Division, through the Twenty-Second Rainforest Brigade, reaffirms its commitment to the defense of the fundamental rights of children and adolescents, and will continue to work in coordination with civil authorities, humanitarian agencies and society to prevent this crime and build a future free of violence for Colombian youth.
Source: Press – National Army
