Contrary to the reports some media published, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not commented on the belligerent status of any armed group in Colombia or any other country, the body said in a communiqué.

"Since the Geneva Agreements were adopted in 1949, the international humanitarian law is automatically applied in cases of domestic (not international) armed conflicts, with no need for declaration from a State or opposition armed groups. The international law does not call for recognition of the belligerent status. The parties to an international armed conflict have an obligation to respect the international humanitarian law, and this has no impact on their juridical status," the document explained.

The ICRC added it is a neutral, impartial, and independent body whose sole purpose is to provide humanitarian services to people suffering the consequences of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

"The ICRC has no capacity to recognize the juridical status or make statements about the political status of the conflicting parties."