Report says not less than eleven Ecuadorian soldiers have died during an armed clash with a criminal group in the country’s Amazon region, on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Confirming the incident, the Ecuadorian Defense Ministry said the attack took place in the Alto Punino area during an anti-mining military operation.
It added that additional soldier sustained injuries in the ambush, according to a statement released by the ministry on Friday evening.
The confrontation occurred while troops attempted to dismantle illegal mining activities in the remote jungle zone of eastern Ecuador.
Military intelligence identified the attackers as members of the “Comandos de la Frontera,” or “Border Command.”
The armed group launched a surprise assault using grenades, explosives, and rifles, targeting the soldiers during their field maneuver.
Officials described the ambush as highly coordinated and extremely violent, with troops caught in open terrain.
The Defense Ministry said reinforcements arrived quickly and secured the area after a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Authorities retrieved the bodies of the fallen soldiers and evacuated the wounded for emergency treatment.
President Daniel Noboa expressed condolences and condemned the violence in a televised address late Friday.
He vowed a strong response and said national security forces would continue targeting organized crime and illegal mining networks.
“This attack will not deter us. We will pursue those responsible with full force,” President Noboa stated.
The government declared a state of emergency earlier this year amid escalating violence linked to organized crime.
Illegal mining in Ecuador’s Amazon has become a major concern for the government and local indigenous communities.
Armed groups like the Comandos de la Frontera often operate near borders and have ties to regional drug and smuggling networks.
The group reportedly has links to Colombian armed factions and traffics weapons, gold, and narcotics across remote jungle areas.
The Alto Punino region, near the Peruvian border, is known for its dense forest and minimal government presence.
Military experts said Friday’s ambush highlights growing threats from criminal groups in under-governed parts of Ecuador.
“This shows organized crime is not only expanding but actively targeting the state,” said security analyst Javier Lema.
Ecuador has seen a surge in gang-related violence over the past two years, including prison riots and assassinations.
The Defense Ministry said further operations would continue across the region despite the losses.
The Armed Forces raised alert levels nationwide and reinforced patrols in other illegal mining hotspots.
National mourning has been declared for the fallen soldiers, with tributes planned in their home provinces.
The government is also coordinating with regional allies to track down the group’s members and dismantle their operations.
Ecuador’s Interior Ministry said investigations are underway to determine whether foreign actors supported the ambush.
Funeral ceremonies for the soldiers will take place early next week under full military honors.
The nation faces continued security challenges as armed criminal groups expand influence across rural and urban zones.
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