Ecuador enforces Colombia border

Ecuador: The Ecuadorian government will deploy 3,000 additional troops to the border with Colombia to stop illegal groups, drug traffickers and fuel smugglers.

According to Security Minister Miguel Carvajal 7,000 soldiers and 3,541 police are already stationed alongside the 720-kilometer (450-mile) border.

He said five new military bases and 10 police stations would be built in the northern areas of Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura, Sucumbios and Orellana. Air patrolling will also be increased.

Ecuador, that has cut all diplomatic ties with its northern neighbour in March 2008 after Colombia attacked a FARC camp on Ecuadorean terroritory, says right wing paramilitary groups are crossing the border frequently and the Uribe Government is refusing to secure the border. Quito, Prensa Latina