According to a report appearing at the website of El Espectador (an independent newspaper in Colombia), [about]an investigation by officers of the Ecuadorian air force, 10 high-technology bombs did the job in the attack to the FARC encampment on March 1st, 2008. None of the bombs used can be carried by Colombian planes. For the sake of providing this information to this website’s readers, following is my translation of the report (found at http://www.elespectador.com/... ), and the Spanish text (with misspellings included). Apologies are offered beforehand for any defects in the use of the English language.
[Updated to add [about] above]
[Updated to take out Spanish language text, since it is available via link.]
"Ecuadorian press reports that 10 high technology bombs fell on the FARC base in Ecuador."
In the military attack of past March 1st to the FARC encampment in Ecuadorian territory, 10 high technology bombs would have been used, according to an investigation by the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE).
As published in the diary EL Comercio on March 6th, FAE’s experts in ammunition carried out a technical examination of the events in Angostura, where the FARC encampment was located, and where Raul Reyes and a score of guerrillas died.
El Comercio states that according to the technician’s reports, 10 500-pound (227 Kilograms) bombs GBU 12 Paveway II were used, and they left craters of 2,40 meters (diameter) by 1,80 meters height.
The diary adds that according to the specifications of the manufacturer of GBU 12 bombs, Texas Instruments, this ordinance may be guided by laser, GPS or intersensorial technology (INS).
Besides, the FAE points out that encasements for caliber .50 ammunition were found in the southern sector of the encampment, which "were shot by machine-guns placed in helicopters, which provided security for personnel that carried out the incursion."
This type of bomb was frequently used during the Desert Storm operation in Irak.
Most of the bombs fell on the dormitory and indoctrination areas (of the settlement, and ) the laundry and training areas were left intact.
The newspaper report adds that the Guide for Identification of Armament of NATO points out that GBU bombs can only be transported by A7, A10, B52, F111, F117, F15, F16, F/A 18 C/D, F14 and A6.
The Colombian Ministry of Defense stated that in the operation (operation Phoenix) the planes used were Super Tucanos.
However, according to NATO, these planes are not included among those capable of carrying GBU 12 bombs, like those used in the attack. In December 2006, Colombia closed on the purchase of 25 Super Tucano planes from Embraer, the manufacturer, as part of the modernization process of the Colombian Air Force.
Manufacturing data for A-29B Super Tucano indicate that these planes have a digitally controlled turbo-helix engine. The planes can carry conventional and intelligent armament, for example, missiles Python III, "Griffin" laser-guided bombs and all of the Mk-82 bomb family.
Besides, the planes may carry .50 mm machine guns in the wings, like Second World War planes.
The FAE report is adamant in stating that Kfir planes were not used in the attack.
FAE will continue investigating to determine the type of planes used in the violation of its territory to attack the FARC; the attack also injured three women, one Mexican and two Colombian.
According to Naval Intelligence information, a HC-130 plane took off from ... the Manta [US] Airbase at 19:00 local time on Friday February 29 (00.00 GMT) and returned at 16:30 (21:30 GMT) the following day.
Unfortunately –adds El Comercio-- the activity of this US plane is unknown, but the military base’s authorities affirm that the plane carried out routine Ecuadorian coast controls.
At the Manta Airbase, American soldiers operate since 1999 the FOL, an operations center focused on drug traffic.
The Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, has announced that Ecuador will not renew in 2009 the lease for the US to operate from the Manta Airbase."