Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a new phase in the country’s fight against organized crime this week, marked by joint operations with the United States military. The announcement came alongside a video showing a military deployment in the Sucumbíos province, resulting in the destruction of a structure and the detention of four individuals.
Joint Operations Underway
The military operation, conducted in coordination with the U.S. Southern Command, targeted a rest area belonging to Mono Tole, a leader of the Comandos de Frontera (CDF) criminal group. According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense, the site was used for training and to provide security for the organization’s leaders.
President Noboa stated, “We will find them. Wherever they hide, we will be there. Our borders will not be the bases of drug trafficking.” He emphasized that Ecuador is not alone in this fight and vowed to continue until victory is achieved.
U.S. Support and Regional Implications
Sean Parnell, assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and principal spokesperson for the Pentagon, highlighted the joint operation as a demonstration of coordinated action against criminal groups. He stated that the U.S. Department of War executed specific actions at Ecuador’s request to dismantle “narco-terrorist networks.”
The operations are taking place as Ecuador grapples with a surge in violence linked to drug trafficking. As part of this new phase, a curfew will be in effect between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM from March 15th to March 30th in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted these joint operations?
Ecuador requested assistance from the United States to combat “narco-terrorist networks” operating within its borders, leading to the execution of specific actions by the U.S. Department of War.
What was the target of the recent military operation?
The operation targeted a rest area and training site belonging to Mono Tole, a leader of the Comandos de Frontera (CDF) criminal group, located in the Sucumbíos province.
Which provinces will be affected by the curfew?
The provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro will be under a curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM between March 15th and March 30th.
As Ecuador and the United States deepen their security cooperation, what impact will these joint operations have on the broader regional landscape and the fight against transnational crime?
