Ecuador: FARC dissident camp discovered in border region

Event

According to a military spokesperson, the Ecuadorian army discovered a vacant camp belonging to suspected ex-FARC dissidents (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) in the Putumayo area of Sucumbíos province on Monday, March 26. Security forces reportedly seized weapons and ammunition from the camp.

Also on March 26, the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) damaged a military vehicle in the Mataje area of Esmeraldas province, 3 km (1.8 mi) from the Colombian border. An investigation is reportedly underway and an increased security presence is anticipated in the province. Further attacks against security forces are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Security along Ecuador's border region with Colombia has deteriorated in recent months due to an increased presence of Colombian armed groups. Ecuador had placed an extra 7000 security personnel in areas along the border with Colombia to counter incursions from ex-FARC dissidents and other criminal groups, as well as members of the ELN guerrilla group.

On March 20, the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) killed three soldiers and wounded six more in the Mataje area of Esmeraldas province. According to security officials, the blast targeted a military patrol and was carried out by a criminal group.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador, particularly in the border regions of Esmeraldas and Sucumbíos province, are advised to monitor developments to the situation.