The Ecuadorian government proceeded to a radical solution to the critical security situation and on Friday deployed 10,000 soldiers to three key coastal provinces. The goal of the massive operation is to break up drug gangs connected to international cartels, which have plunged the country into a spiral of violence.
Ecuador on Friday deployed 10,000 soldiers to three coastal provinces to crack down on drug-trafficking gangs that authorities there blame for a surge in violence in the country. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
- Ecuador has deployed 10,000 soldiers against drug gangs.
- The measures respond to a record increase in violence in the country.
- Special forces soldiers have strengthened security in three provinces.
- Ecuador is troubled by the influence of cartels from Colombia and Mexico.
- The Ministry of Defense threatens to jail anyone who threatens security.
Tough measures
The government of President Daniel Nobou has promised tough measures as the South American country records a record number of murders and other violent crimes.
Hundreds of special forces soldiers were deployed on Friday to “reinforce security operations” in the provinces of Guayas, Manabí and Los Ríos, Air Force Gen. Mario Bedoya told reporters.
Planes carrying military personnel were also dispatched to Manta, the country’s main fishing port.
MoD: Jail or hell for anyone who threatens security
Ecuador sits between two of the world’s biggest cocaine exporters – Colombia and Peru – and has seen an increase in violence by gangs linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Murders and collisions in the streets and in public spaces have become common, AFP notes. The country closed the year 2025 with a balance of 52 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to approximately one murder per hour.
“Prison or hell for anyone who threatens security,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Friday.
