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Ecuador Readies a Major Offensive on Criminal Groups with US Logistical Support
Ecuador intensified national anti-drug raids with U.S. advisory and intelligence support amid rising violence and record coca production, officials said.
- March 3 saw coordinated raids by Ecuadorian armed forces to disrupt drug shipments, with U.S. support praised by U.S. Southern Command.
- Violence and transshipment dynamics prompted action, as homicides rose from 1,372 in 2020 to 9,125 by 2025 and Ecuador's location between Colombia and Peru with Pacific ports made it a key drug hub.
- Interior Minister John Reimberg ordered a curfew March 15-30 in Guayas, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, with restrictions from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and cleared roads for troop movements, citing U.S. cooperation at Manta air base.
- Experts caution that expanding U.S. support could provoke organized crime gangs and potential protests, risking unrest similar to late 2019 against President Daniel Noboa.
- Historically, Ecuador has cooperated with the U.S. at Manta air base despite the 2009 referendum banning foreign bases, while joint maritime operations disrupt trafficking but coca production trends in the Andean region limit lasting impact.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Stars and Stripes
Ecuador readies a major offensive on criminal groups, with US logistical support
Associated Press News
Ecuador readies a major offensive on criminal groups with US logistical support
Ecuador's interior minister says the country is preparing a major crackdown on criminal groups set to begin this weekend with logistical support from the United States.
Why Ecuador Is Partnering in US Drug-War Strikes
On March 6, the United States “Department of War” released its latest Hollywood movie production. The brief video celebrated the first publicized joint US-Ecuador strike, days after the two nations announced combined military operations “to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.” Up to 20 men in military uniform hurry toward a waiting helicopter. The helicopter speeds across black-and-white terrain. Tense movie music plays. A fiery explosion eng…
Why Is Ecuador Partnering with Trump on Drugs?
On March 3, Ecuadorian armed forces conducted raids at several locations around the country in an attempt to disrupt drug shipments and criminal gang activities. Once considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, Ecuador has become a violent hotspot since 2020. It has some of the highest homicide rates in the world, which also included the assassination of a presidential candidate in August 2023. Current President Daniel Noboa, along …
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