Ecuador Launches Major Offensive Against Organized Crime

Ecuador has deployed over 75,000 soldiers and police officers across four of the country's most violence-wracked provinces as part of a major offensive against organized crime groups. Interior Minister John Reimberg announced the operation during an interview with Radio Centro on Wednesday.

The government has imposed a night-time curfew in Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas provinces, requiring residents to stay indoors from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between March 15 and March 30. The authorities have also included El Oro province in the crackdown.

Reimberg emphasized the need for clear roads during the operation to facilitate troop movements and avoid civilian casualties. The offensive aims to dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and other illicit activities. According to Reimberg, this operation will be of a greater magnitude than previous efforts due to increased force.

The U.S. Southern Command reiterated its support for Ecuador's actions against narco-terrorists, commending the country's armed forces for their commitment. The offensive comes as part of joint military operations between Ecuador and the United States, which began earlier this week.

Ecuador's geographical location, sandwiched between Colombia and Peru—the world's largest producers of cocaine—has turned it into a key transit country for illicit drugs. Around 70% of the cocaine produced in these countries is estimated to be shipped through Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa has joined a U.S.-led alliance aimed at fighting criminal cartels in the Western Hemisphere.