“These acts highlight the threats posed by criminal groups operating on the border between Ecuador and Colombia,” said the Secretary-General in a statement attributable to his spokesperson.

In that regard, the UN chief welcomes the close cooperation between both countries to address the common threat, the statement added.

Mr. Guterres also reiterated the UN’s availability to support the two Governments in the areas deemed necessary.

The Secretary-General also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, and his sympathy and solidarity to the Government and the people of Ecuador.

According to reports, the three media workers – two journalists and their driver – were taken near the village of Mataje, in northern Ecuador, on 26 March. They worked for the Ecuadorian newspaper, El Comercio.