Ecuador steps up border security :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: Ecuador steps up border security

Posted by admin on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 07:31 AM

Ecuador is to send military planes to its northern border after Colombian military aircraft reportedly entered its airspace in pursuit of rebels.

Bogota has launched a probe into the alleged border incursion

Colombian Black Hawk helicopters and warplanes allegedly strayed into Ecuadorian territory on Saturday in an operation against leftist guerrillas.

Quito issued a formal protest and demanded an apology for the "violation of their sovereignty".

Colombia denied the alleged incursion was intentional.

Marxist insurgency

"A group of A-37 planes will be staying along the border with Colombia starting tomorrow," Ecuador's presidential spokesman Jose Toledo said on Tuesday.

He said the Cessna Dragonfly planes, which can be equipped with firepower, would be sent to safeguard Ecuador's territory.

Defence Minister Oswaldo Jarrin said the Ecuadorian demand "an explanation and the apologies" due to the "violation of their sovereignty".

Colombia's Deputy Foreign Minister Camilo Reyes said it would issue a formal response following the completion of an investigation.

There were accounts from witnesses and police in the local media of ground battles taking place on Saturday, and recovered spent ammunition.

Ecuador has remained neutral in Colombia's struggle against a 41-year-old Marxist insurgency, despite requests for assistance.

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