Armed Forces will reinforce security in three provinces

Ecuadornews:

The President of the Republic, Lenin Moreno, announced that the plan includes migratory control and economic development in border cord populations.

Six threats have the border cordon of the northern border, according to the Armed Forces: armed irregular groups, drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminals, terrorism, violation of air space and cyber attacks.

Therefore, the President of the Republic, Lenin Moreno, during the launch of the Defense, Security and Development Policy for the Northern Border, in Esmeraldas, revealed that this area, which involves three provinces (also Carchi and Sucumbíos), will be reinforced militarily.

However, the number of elements that will go to that area, mainly in a 20-kilometer strip from the border, was not revealed. Later it will be extended another 20 kilometers. To these six threats, the Ministry of the Interior, Mauro Toscanini, adds others such as trafficking in illicit substances, hydrocarbons, weapons and explosives; mining, light aircraft and, illegal processing laboratories, among others.

These crimes are committed, according to the National Police, by eight groups that settle on the Colombian side as the National Liberation Army (ELN), the Oliver Sinisterra Front, the Gulf Clan, GUP, the Front 48, the Front 1, People of Order and The Company. During the presentation of the plan, the President pointed out that the events that occurred since the explosion of the barracks in San Lorenzo (Esmeraldas), on March 26, affected the citizens of the province.

“State indifference is over,” he said and clarified that he will not allow criminal gangs, such as alias “Guacho”, to affect tranquility. He even regretted that this problem generated an exodus from the affected areas such as San Lorenzo and Eloy Alfaro. The presentation of the plan was made in the facilities of the 13 Esmeraldas Motorized Infantry Battalion. The text was approved by the Public Safety and State Council (Cosepe), on May 10.

The President invited the residents of that Esmeralda area to cultivate peace. In this regard, he said that the “Toda una vida” plan as well as the new security policy for the border will develop plans, programs and projects, especially linked to economic development.

He urged the locals not to get involved with the terrorist groups that swarm on the Colombian side. He warned that he will continue with the policy of persecution until justice is done for the events aroused in that province.

Migratory control

After the wave of migrants, especially Venezuelans who entered the country, the State, according to the Armed Forces, will implement mechanisms for migratory control. This, as part of the new security and defense policy for the border.

In addition, the construction of roads and telecommunication systems and the presence of State institutions in the northern cordon will be increased. Another of the guidelines is to intensify the search for information that neutralizes the financing of illicit activities by narco-terrorist groups.

Moreno said the border is his national priority, especially providing security and development. That force will be commanded by an Army General and made up of the Army, Navy, Aviation and National Police. (I)

Source: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/politica/3/fuerzas-armadas-seguridad-provincias-ecuador