Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is seeking assistance from the U.S., Brazil, and European nations to combat violence from drug gangs. He advocates for deploying international troops as Ecuador faces a surge in drug-related crime, including kidnappings and killings. However, political and legal challenges may impede these efforts as national elections approach.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is seeking support from the United States, Brazil, and European nations to deploy troops in an effort to combat rampant violence from drug gangs in the country. In an interview with the BBC, he emphasized the need for assistance from countries that consume significant quantities of drugs transited through Ecuador, stating, “We need the help of international forces.”
This plea comes as Ecuador has transitioned from one of the safest nations in Latin America to a hub for cocaine trafficking, which has drawn various cartels and gangs involved in kidnappings, extortion, and illegal mining, leading to unprecedented violence levels. Noboa described the conflict as an “unconventional, urban guerrilla war” and asserted, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war.”
Security is a pivotal issue in the forthcoming April elections, with Noboa campaigning for reelection on a strict anti-crime platform. In response to the escalating violence, including dismemberments, car bombings, and mass shootings, the president has proposed the controversial deployment of foreign forces. He has also formed an alliance with Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, although he clarified that Prince is merely providing advice and that he does not intend to bring in mercenaries.
However, the prospect of hosting foreign troops is fraught with obstacles, including political and constitutional challenges, such as the need for status of forces agreements and a prohibition on foreign military bases in Ecuador. Noboa’s main political opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, is expected to oppose such initiatives if she is elected, given her association with former President Rafael Correa, who terminated the U.S. military’s presence in Ecuador in 2009.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has called for international military assistance to address the escalating violence from drug trafficking gangs in his country. This initiative is challenged by political and legal obstacles. With national elections approaching, security remains a critical issue, reflecting the broader concerns over public safety amid increasing criminal activity.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
