Tension at the Colombian Border: Massive Operation by Ecuadorian Special Forces

In response to the brutal assassination of 11 soldiers of the national army, the Ecuadorian armed forces today launched a massive military operation in the province of Orellana, in the Alto Punino area, the epicenter of the activity of irregular armed groups linked to drug trafficking. From a post published on X by the Ministry of Defense of the Andean country, it emerges that the operation is still ongoing, with a massive deployment of paratroopers and special forces operators, supported by combat helicopters, reconnaissance drones, and advanced technologies. The objective is to neutralize the criminal organizations responsible for the attack and restore security in the area.

The General Commander of the Ecuadorian Army, General Henry Delgado Salvador, is personally directing the operations in the field, demonstrating the determination of the armed forces to respond forcefully to this serious threat.

Ecuador is deeply shaken by the ambush that cost the lives of 11 soldiers during an airborne operation in the Amazon jungle, in an area sadly known for the presence of irregular armed groups linked to the Colombian FARC. The authorities have defined the attack as a direct assault on national security and the peace of the country.

The violent clash occurred during a military operation aimed at countering the growing activity of illegal mining in the Amazon region, specifically in the Alto Punino sector, located in the upper part of the Punino river basin. In recent years, illegal gold mining camps have multiplied in this area, a phenomenon that has favored the settlement of criminal and armed groups. The area is located on the border between the provinces of Napo and Orellana, close to the border with Colombia, a strategic position for the transit of goods and illicit activities.

According to official sources, the ongoing offensive aims not only to capture those responsible for the massacre but also to definitively dismantle the criminal structures operating in the region. The authorities have firmly reiterated that there will be no room for impunity and that those responsible for these acts of terrorism will be relentlessly pursued.

The Viaggiare Sicuri portal of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds that in Ecuador, “the recognition of the existence of the 'internal armed conflict' remains throughout the national territory, with a strong deployment of Army and Police to counter local gangs”. It also recommends that Italians present for various reasons exercise maximum caution, limiting movements to only truly unavoidable needs and strictly adhering to the provisions of local authorities.

The Andean country, shaken in recent years by a wave of violence linked to the infiltration of drug trafficking cartels, seems to have reached a breaking point with the ambush on Friday, May 9, considered the classic straw that broke the camel's back. “We are in a country at war against terrorists”, military and government leaders have firmly declared, sending a clear message: Ecuador will not bow to threats and will defend its security by all means.

The country, still affected by the sacrifice of its soldiers, now looks to the armed forces with hope and confidence, certain that their sacrifice will not be in vain.

¡MÁS TROPAS MILITARES SE DESPLIEGAN A LA ZONA DE ALTO PUNINO PARA NEUTRALIZAR AL GRUPO IRREGULAR ARMADO “COMANDOS DE FRONTERA”!💪

➡️Con el respaldo de helicópteros, equipos logísticos especializados y tecnología de punta, incluyendo sistemas de vigilancia no tripulada (drones de… pic.twitter.com/PirkOrl0sn

— Ministerio de Defensa Nacional del Ecuador (@DefensaEc) May 13, 2025