Colombia/Ecuador: Military offensive continues against FARC dissidents April 18 /update 4

Event

On Wednesday, April 18, Colombian and Ecuadorian forces continued their military offensive against a group of former FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) dissidents working under the name the "Oliver Sinisterra Front," which operates along the Colombia-Ecuador border. The joint forces launched an air, land, and river campaign to neutralize the group; Colombia has deployed over 10,000 soldiers along the Colombia-Ecuador border. The military operations come after the Ecuadorian government confirmed on Tuesday, April 17, that two people had been kidnapped by the group and after a team of kidnapped journalists were confirmed killed on Friday, April 13.

Military raids and arrests of suspected Oliver Sinisterra Front members are expected along the Colombia-Ecuador border in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Security along Ecuador's border region with Colombia has deteriorated in recent months due to an increasing presence of Colombian organized crime groups, notably militants of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group who have refused to adhere to the 2016 peace agreement. A state of emergency in the Ecuadorian border cantons of San Lorenzo and Eloy Alfaro (Esmeraldas province), recently extended to April 28, was initially declared following a bombing that targeted a police station in San Lorenzo on January 27, wounding some 30 people. The attack has been attributed to ex-FARC dissidents and was likely in retaliation for security operations targeting drug trafficking along the Colombia-Ecuador border. A string of violent incidents has since taken place in the border region.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia and Ecuador, particularly those in or planning travel to the Colombia-Ecuador border region, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.