Ecuador's Jungle Guardians: The Story of the Iwias, an Elite Force with Ancient Roots

The vast, verdant expanse of the Ecuadorian Amazon is a world unto itself. For most, it is a place of wonder and wild beauty, but for a select few, it is a homeland and a battlefield. Within its dense canopy, a highly-trained special force operates, a military unit unlike any other in the world. They are the Iwias, a group of elite soldiers who have merged modern military discipline with the ancient wisdom of their ancestors.

In the Shuar language, "Iwia" means "demon of the jungle"—a name that reflects their reputation as relentless and formidable warriors. But more than just soldiers, they are the silent, invisible guardians of a territory that has been their home for millennia.

The training of an Iwia is a fascinating blend of two worlds. While they undergo the rigorous physical and mental preparation of any military commando, their core strength comes from a deep-rooted connection to the jungle itself. The process begins with an ancestral shamanic ritual, a symbolic act that solidifies their bond with the rainforest that is both their home and their theater of operations.

Formed in the world's only school for native soldiers, the Iwias are recruited from nine different Amazonian indigenous nationalities, including the Shuar, Kichwa, Achuar, Secoya, and Waorani. This genetic and cultural heritage gives them an innate knowledge of survival that no outside training can replicate.

The Iwias possess a level of proficiency and understanding of the Amazonian environment that makes them a uniquely effective fighting force. Their skills are not just military; they are born from generations of survival and observation:

• Camouflage: They are masters of the art of blending in. When patrolling, they seamlessly transform into part of the landscape, appearing as leaves, branches, or trees. This allows them to get within a few centimeters of an enemy patrol without being detected.

• Mimicry: The jungle is their soundscape. They are experts at imitating animal sounds, a crucial skill for silent communication between patrols and for disorienting the enemy.

• Jungle Foraging: Survival is paramount. The Iwias are able to find food and energy in the most unlikely of places, including a local chontacuro larva. This protein-rich beetle larva provides enough sustenance to fuel long, arduous patrols.

• Ancestral Weapons: Beyond their modern firearms, they are masters of silent and lethal indigenous weapons, such as the blowdart. Using a dart tipped with a deadly poison, they can hit a target with precision from up to seven meters away, with a poison potent enough to neutralize an opponent in a matter of minutes.

The story of the Iwias is woven into the very fabric of Ecuador's modern history. The idea to create this unique force emerged in the 1980s, following the Paquisha War of 1981, a conflict with neighboring Peru. During this time, native soldiers demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate and fight in the jungle terrain, which gave them a distinct advantage. Their remarkable performance led to the official creation of the special unit.

Their skills were once again put to the test during the Cenepa War of 1995, where they played a pivotal role in defending Ecuador’s territorial sovereignty. For these soldiers, the battlefield was not a foreign land; it was their home, their "selva," for which they felt a profound sense of ownership and patriotism. Their flawless performance in their element meant they were never relieved from their posts.

Today, there are around 1,200 Iwias in active service. They operate as the first line of defense against modern threats such as drug trafficking and organized crime, using their profound knowledge and unwavering determination to protect the most biodiverse habitat on the planet. They are more than just soldiers; they are the living legacy of their culture, a force of eternal guardians standing watch over the Amazon.

Sources

• "Los Ibias, Soldados que Protegen la Amazonía con Saberes Ancestrales" - Video by TC Televisión

• "Iwias: El Ejército Secreto de Ecuador" - Video by Visión 360