Ecuadorian Troops on Alert After Border Clash in Colombia

Ecuadorian forces have heightened security along the northern border in the Carchi province after an armed confrontation erupted in Colombian territory, just kilometers from the shared boundary. The clash, reportedly lasting about 20 minutes, was heard in the Ecuadorian community of El Salado, situated only three kilometers from the binational border.

In response to the potential for combatants to cross into Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Armed Forces deployed personnel from the local detachment and the 31 Andes Brigade. Armored vehicles were mobilized to secure the border area. Franco Muñoz, commander of the 31 Andes Brigade, confirmed an active military presence with continuous patrols along the international border to ensure national territory integrity and prevent incursions by armed groups operating in Colombia's Nariño department.

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we maintain an active military presence with permanent patrols along the entire international political limit.

Reports indicate that one suspected member of an irregular group was killed and subsequently evacuated through Ecuadorian territory. This incident occurs amidst a larger Colombian Army offensive targeting drug trafficking operations. Colombian military forces have dismantled industrial complexes used for producing illicit substances, including a laboratory capable of processing up to three tons of cocaine hydrochloride monthly, with intended destinations in the United States and Central America via Ecuador.

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The central objective of this maneuver is to guarantee the integrity of the national territory and prevent any forced incursion by the armed groups operating in the department of Nariño.