Ecuador foreign armies fight gangs, as President Daniel Noboa invites troops from the US, Europe, and Brazil to join his government’s efforts to combat gang violence. This policy is part of his stepped-up attempts to bring security back to the nation, which has been beset by criminal activities mostly related to the drug trade.
Ecuador foreign armies fight gangs, as President Noboa’s appeal for military aid comes amid a surge in homicides. Government data reports over 1,000 murders this year alone, making it one of the most violent countries in Latin America.
A Call for Military Reinforcements
In a recent interview with the BBC, Noboa emphasized the need for international support. “We need more armed forces to fight against criminal groups,” he said. Noboa had previously hinted at foreign military collaboration during a local radio interview but has yet to confirm the specific countries involved.
The US has already contributed $81 million since 2018 to support Ecuador’s battle against organized crime and narcotics. Additionally, an existing agreement permits the deployment of US military personnel in Ecuador if necessary.
Controversial Partnership with Blackwater Founder
Noboa also announced a strategic alliance with Erik Prince, the founder of the now-defunct private military contractor Blackwater. While details remain scarce, the collaboration is expected to focus on combating narcoterrorism and illegal fishing.
This move has drawn criticism from former military officials and human rights advocates. Luis Altamirano, Ecuador’s former army commander, condemned the partnership as “deplorable.”
Ecuador’s Security Crisis
The situation in Ecuador has worsened over the past year. In response, Noboa declared several gangs as terrorist organizations and launched a series of military operations. Critics argue his tough-on-crime approach is politically motivated as he faces a run-off election against Luisa Gonzalez, a leftist candidate and ally of Rafael Correa.
While Noboa’s policies are controversial, his administration remains focused on pursuing both domestic military action and foreign assistance. The world will be watching closely as Ecuador continues its struggle against escalating gang violence.
Source: CNN
