Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday accused Ecuador of conducting bombing operations inside Colombian territory, claiming that 27 charred bodies were subsequently discovered near the border between the two countries.

Petro stated that the attack did not appear to have been carried out by Colombian forces or illegal armed groups operating in the region, which he said lack aircraft capable of such operations. The Colombian president's accusations represent a significant escalation in tensions between the neighboring South American nations.

The incident marks a sharp deterioration in relations between Colombia and Ecuador. Petro characterized Ecuador's government, led by President Daniel Noboa, as an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, though he provided no immediate evidence to support his bombing allegations.

Details about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the bodies or the specific location of the alleged bombing were not immediately available. Ecuador's government has not yet responded publicly to the Colombian president's accusations.

The border region between Colombia and Ecuador has historically been affected by violence from various armed groups and criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities.