The Ecuadorian government is launching joint anti-drug operations with the United States as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat escalating violence from criminal organizations. President Daniel Noboa announced these coordinated efforts, which he described as a “new phase” of his administration’s firm approach to ensuring security across the nation.
Ecuador’s Strategy Against Drug Trafficking
During a recent meeting in Quito, President Noboa met with Francis L. Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, and Rear Admiral Mark A. Schafer of Special Operations Command South. The collaborative actions are set to commence this month, although specific details on whether U.S. troops will be deployed in Ecuador are not yet clear.
Background on Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
According to officials, approximately 70% of the narcotics that leave Ecuador originate from neighboring Colombia and Peru, the world’s largest cocaine producers. This trafficking has intensified violence among rival gangs, leading to a record homicide rate in the country.
- Countries Involved: Ecuador, USA, Colombia, Peru
- Homicide Rate: Record high due to gang violence
- Date of Operations Launch: March 2023
In light of this crisis, the Ecuadorian government has also announced a nighttime curfew. This curfew will be enforced from March 15 to March 30 in four provinces significantly impacted by violence: Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro. Interior Minister John Reimberg emphasized the urgency of this situation, stating, “Stay at home. We are at war.”
Future Collaborations on Security
Since President Noboa’s inauguration in 2023, the partnership between Ecuador and the United States regarding security has strengthened. This collaboration follows the December 2022 deployment of U.S. military personnel to the port of Manta, although detailed information about this move remains undisclosed. In a 2025 referendum initiated by Noboa, the Ecuadorian populace rejected the establishment of foreign military bases, including one that operated in Manta for a decade from 1999 to 2009.
The upcoming joint operations signify a pivotal moment in Ecuador’s battle against drug trafficking and organized crime. The government’s commitment to addressing these issues is reflected in its partnership with U.S. authorities and the implementation of security measures aimed at restoring safety in affected regions.
