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In a decisive referendum, Ecuadorian voters have rejected the proposal to allow foreign military bases on their soil, thwarting both President Daniel Noboa’s agenda and US ambitions to expand its military presence in the Eastern Pacific. The vote, held on Sunday, marks a significant setback for Noboa, who had championed constitutional changes to overturn a 2008 legislative ban on foreign military installations. He argued that such bases would bolster efforts to combat organized crime and curb the nation’s escalating violence, which has transformed Ecuador into a global hub for drug trafficking. Despite his efforts, the electorate delivered a resounding ‘no,’ reflecting widespread skepticism about foreign military involvement. The referendum also saw voters reject other proposals, including ending public funding for political parties, reducing the size of Congress, and establishing a constitutional assembly to rewrite the nation’s charter. Noboa, who has pursued a hardline military approach to crime, including deploying armed soldiers on the streets, expressed respect for the outcome but faces mounting criticism over his authoritarian tactics. The US, which had hoped to reestablish a military base in Ecuador after being forced to close its previous site in 2009, now finds its regional strategy in question. The referendum coincides with a significant US military deployment to the Caribbean, including the world’s largest warship and bomber planes, raising speculation about potential strikes on land targets in Venezuela. Critics argue that the US’s actions in the region, including recent strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, may violate international law. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s struggle against powerful drug cartels continues, as evidenced by the recent capture of Wilmer ‘Pipo’ Chavarria, a leader of the notorious Los Lobos gang, in a joint operation with Spanish police. The referendum outcome underscores the complexities of balancing security, sovereignty, and international relations in a region grappling with violence and geopolitical tensions.

The United States has announced its intention to designate Cartel de los Soles, a group allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The decision, revealed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, will take effect from November 24. This designation effectively labels Maduro as a terrorist, a claim he vehemently denies. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Maduro, amid ongoing speculation about potential US military intervention in Venezuela. The FTO designation empowers the US government to aggressively target the group and its associates, making it illegal to provide them with support. While the US Treasury Department has previously imposed sanctions on Cartel de los Soles, the new classification escalates the response, unlocking more robust enforcement mechanisms. The US alleges that the group, which includes members of Maduro’s inner circle and the military, is involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. However, no public evidence has been presented to substantiate Maduro’s direct involvement in these activities. The Trump administration’s characterization of Maduro as a drug trafficker is widely viewed as a potential justification for targeting him or his associates in a military campaign. Tensions have escalated since October, when Maduro accused the US of ‘fabricating a new war’ following the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean. President Trump has hinted at potential discussions with Maduro but has yet to provide details. The US has also criticized Venezuela for its alleged failure to address cartel activity, which Trump claims contributes to the fentanyl crisis in the US, despite evidence pointing to Mexico and Asia as primary sources. Since September, the US has conducted airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia, resulting in at least 83 deaths. This marks the largest US military deployment to the Caribbean in decades.