Colombia’s largest rebel group FARC handed over a minor to the
International Red Cross who the rebels say had been used by the
Colombian army to infiltrate the guerrillas.
In a lengthy communique, released by FARC-friendly press agency ANNCOL, the FARC say they released the girl. This is confirmed by Red Cross spokesman Yves Heller, who told Colombia Reports the girl was received mid January.
Yves Heller said the girl was handed over on January 16, but did not comment on the FARC’s claim the girl was in infiltrator.
According to the guerrillas, the girl, Angelica Martínez from La Union, was sent into the rebel army by the amy’s 8th brigade as an infiltrator with the objective to then desert and hand over information about the rebels to the Authorities.
The use of minors in warfare is forbidden by the Geneva convention.
Despite being infamous for using child soldiers themselves, the FARC warns minors not to get involved in the violent conflict.
According to some reports, at least 11,000 minors are part of the many illegal armed groups in the conflict-torn country.
