Explosions struck two bridges in Ecuador between 5:35 AM and 8:35 AM UTC on October 16th, with officials blaming a local criminal gang and Colombian ex-FARC dissidents for the attacks. The bombings are seen as retaliation for a recent major military operation targeting illegal miners. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a warning this morning regarding potential consequences for Colombia stemming from planned US Central Intelligence Agency operations in neighboring Venezuela. Ecuadorian authorities confirmed the explosions targeted vital infrastructure, prompting increased security measures. The government has explicitly accused a coalition of domestic criminal elements and dissident FARC fighters from Colombia of orchestrating the attacks in response to the government's crackdown on illicit mining activities. The timing of these bombings coincides with escalating regional tensions. President Petro's statement, reported by Reuters, did not specify the exact nature of the potential consequences for Colombia but indicated concern over the proposed US intelligence activities in Venezuela. The Colombian government has not yet elaborated on the specific US plans that prompted the warning, nor has the US confirmed or denied the planned CIA operations in Venezuela.
