QUITO, Ecuador — The Ecuadorian government has announced a comprehensive security operation targeting criminal organizations across three western provinces, with substantial logistical assistance from United States forces. Interior Minister John Reimberg disclosed the planned offensive during a radio interview on Wednesday, revealing that coordinated strikes would commence this weekend.
The operation will focus on Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas provinces—regions experiencing some of the highest violence rates in the South American nation. To facilitate military movements and ensure civilian safety, authorities will implement an overnight curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between March 15-30 in these areas.
Minister Reimberg emphasized the necessity of the curfew, stating, “We must keep roads clear for troop and equipment deployment to prevent collateral casualties during our operations.” He confirmed significant U.S. military support for the mission but declined to provide specific operational details due to security considerations.
The announcement follows earlier joint military actions between Ecuador and the U.S. against organized crime syndicates, though previous operations lacked detailed public disclosure regarding their scope and locations.
Ecuador has faced escalating violence since early 2021, with criminal organizations maintaining established connections to international drug cartels based in Colombia and Mexico. The country serves as a critical logistical hub for narcotics trafficking, processing shipments primarily from Colombia and Peru before distribution to global markets including Central America, the United States, and Europe.
The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador had not responded to media inquiries at the time of reporting. However, the U.S. Southern Command reiterated previous commendations for Ecuadorian armed forces, with Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan praising their “unwavering commitment and courage in combating narco-terrorists.”