Colombian Army Recovers Minor In Caquetá

The Colombian Army's 12th Brigade conducted operations in the Caquetá department to recover a minor victim of forced recruitment. Brigadier General Sergio Armando Guzmán confirmed the operation resulted in the surrender of two alleged members of a residual organized armed group. The military stated the recovery of the minor reaffirms their commitment to combating forced recruitment. The operation aimed to protect children from criminal structures. The police stated the operation aims to restore the rights of those subjected to such recruitment. Operations continue in the area as violent incidents have intensified. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez recently visited the Cáceres zone in Antioquia to address reports of illegal mining alongside an Army battalion. Illegal mining was located near an Army battalion during the operation. The Colombian army subdued two dissidents during a military operation in the Florencia area of the Caquetá department. The military action was described as a blow to dissident groups in the region.