Colombian government orders suspension of bombings against rebels

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos ordered Saturday to suspend again bombings against camps of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) due to de-escalation of the armed conflict following a unilateral ceasefire of the rebel group a year ago.

"We have agreed to de-escalate the conflict, because it means fewer deaths, less suffering, less victims. I have given the order to suspend aerial bombings against FARC camps from today," Santos said from Cartagena during an event in celebration of the 192th anniversary of the Colombian Navy.

Santos said that his decision was made as a reaction to the FARC initiative of resuming the unilateral ceasefire to advance the ongoing peace process between the two sides for over two years and eight months in Havana, Cuba, seeking to end 50 years of internal war.

"This decision will be effective if the camps pose no threat to the population, law enforcement or infrastructure. The government will continue to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and the rule of law, as it will continue to pursue the crimes. We will meet to assess FARC's unilateral ceasefire," the Colombian president said.