Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, has called for military assistance from the United States, European nations, and Brazil to combat escalating gang violence in his country. In a recent interview with the BBC, President Noboa emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine transits through Ecuador, making it a critical hub for drug trafficking.
To bolster domestic security efforts, President Noboa has proposed constitutional amendments to permit the establishment of foreign military bases in Ecuador. Additionally, his administration has formed a strategic alliance with Erik Prince, founder of the private security firm Blackwater, aiming to strengthen the country’s capabilities against organized crime.
The president has also reached out to U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting that Ecuadorian criminal organizations such as Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and Los Tiguerones be designated as terrorist entities. Such a designation would enhance the tools available to U.S. authorities in targeting these groups.
Despite intensified military operations, including the deployment of troops to the streets and prisons, Ecuador continues to face high levels of violence. While there was a 16% reduction in homicides from 2023 to 2024, the country recorded 781 murders in January 2025 alone, underscoring the persistent challenges in restoring public safety.
President Noboa’s appeal for international military collaboration reflects the urgency of addressing the complex and transnational nature of organized crime affecting Ecuador.
