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Defence minister says shift in strategy aims to protect civilians, including children forced to join rebel groups.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Colombia\u2019s new left-wing government has said it will suspend aerial bombings targeting armed groups, in an effort to minimise the deaths of civilians and children who have been forcibly recruited into the organisations.<\/p>\n Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez told reporters on Thursday that the move was a symbol of the government\u2019s willingness to engage in possible talks with armed groups.<\/p>\n It marks a shift in Colombia\u2019s strategy against leftist rebels and drug-trafficking gangs amid a recent uptick in violence, especially in remote parts of the country.<\/p>\n \u201cThe bombings must be suspended. We\u2019re going to evaluate the specific moment in which an absolute guideline can be established, but that is the direction we want to take,\u201d Velasquez said.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren forcibly recruited by illegal groups are victims of this violence,\u201d he added. \u201cTherefore no military action with respect to illegal armed organisations can endanger the lives of these victims.<\/p>\n