Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru

The Cenepa War was a conflict rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru, primarily over the border region known as the Cordillera del Cóndor. Tensions escalated following earlier incidents, notably the Paquisha Incident, which involved skirmishes in the early 1980s. The situation deteriorated into full-scale warfare, marked by significant military engagements. The Ecuadorian military engaged in aerial confrontations, resulting in the downing of Peruvian aircraft, while Peruvian ground forces advanced into southern Ecuador. Both nations accused each other of initiating the conflict, which highlighted the fragility of diplomatic relations in the region. The war lasted for several weeks and resulted in casualties on both sides, with estimates suggesting hundreds of soldiers were killed. The conflict drew international attention, prompting calls for mediation and peace talks. Eventually, the war concluded with a ceasefire and the signing of the Peace Accord in 1998, which established a framework for resolving the border dispute. The Cenepa War had lasting implications for Ecuador and Peru, influencing their military policies and bilateral relations in the years that followed. It also underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving territorial disputes to prevent future conflicts.