Tension at the border with Colombia: massive operation by Ecuadorian special forces

In response to the brutal murder of 11 soldiers of the national army, the Ecuadorian armed forces today launched a massive military operation in the province of Orellana, in the area of Alto Punino, the epicentre of activity of irregular armed groups linked to drug trafficking. From a post published on X by the Andean country's Ministry of Defence, 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 technology. The aim is to neutralise the criminal organisations responsible for the attack and re-establish security in the area.

Il Comandante Generale dell’Esercito dell’Ecuador, Generale Henry Delgado Salvador, dirige personalmente le operazioni sul campo, a testimonianza della determinazione delle forze armate a rispondere con forza a questa grave minaccia.

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 infamous for the presence of irregular armed groups linked to the Colombian FARC. The authorities described the attack as a direct attack on national security and peace in the country.

The violent clash occurred during a military operation to counter the growing illegal mining activity in the Amazon region, specifically in the Alto Punino sector, located in the upper cuenca of the Punino River. In recent years, illegal gold mining camps have multiplied in this area, a phenomenon that has favoured the establishment 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 permanently 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 pursued relentlessly.

The portal Travelling Safely of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs remember that in Ecuador, "the recognition of the existence of the 'internal armed conflict' remains throughout the country, with a strong deployment of Army and Police to counter local gangs".. It also recommends that Italians present in various capacities adopt the utmost caution, limiting their movements to only truly unavoidable needs and scrupulously following the instructions of the 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 breaking point with the ambush on Friday 9 May, considered the classic straw that broke the camel's back. 'We are in a country at war with terrorists', hanno dichiarato con fermezza i vertici militari e governativi, lanciando un messaggio chiaro: l’Ecuador non si piegherà alle minacce e difenderà la propria sicurezza con ogni mezzo.

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