Ecuador: Three soldiers killed in Esmeraldas March 20 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, 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. An investigation is reportedly underway and an increased security presence is anticipated in Esmeraldas province. Further attacks against security forces are possible in the coming days and weeks.

According to security officials, the bombings has been classified as a "terrorist" attack linked to drug trafficking networks.

Context

This incident follows three other recent bombings. On March 16, a homemade device exploded near the naval checkpoint of Borbón (Esmeraldas province). On February 22, a car bomb exploded in Colta canton's El Lirio community (Chimborazo province), killing one person. The third bombing occurred on January 27 at a police station in San Lorenzo (Esmeraldas province) and injured dozens of people.

Ecuador had already 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.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or objects to the relevant authorities.