Ecuador launches major operation against criminal groups with support from the United States.

Ecuador’s government is set to launch a significant military offensive targeting criminal organizations in three key western provinces, with logistical assistance from the United States. This initiative is scheduled to commence this weekend, according to information provided by the country’s Interior Minister during a local radio broadcast.

Minister John Reimberg announced that the provinces designated for the operation—Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas—are among the most dangerous in the nation, grappling with escalating violence attributed to organized crime. As part of the new measures, residents in these areas will be required to adhere to an overnight curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between March 15 and March 30. This restriction is intended to ensure public safety and enable the movement of military personnel and equipment during the campaign.

The Interior Minister has emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, stating the government’s commitment to ensuring that the imminent actions do not lead to inadvertent harm. He noted the substantial support from U.S. forces, highlighting a collaborative effort to combat rising crime.

While the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador responded to inquiries regarding the operation, its comments were not immediately available, repeating previous affirmations of support for Ecuador’s military endeavors in the fight against narco-terrorism. U.S. Southern Command echoed this sentiment, praising Ecuadorian armed forces for their steadfast commitment in confronting violent organized crime.

This announcement follows recent joint military operations between Ecuador and the United States aimed at dismantling networks associated with organized crime throughout the country. Although specific details of the operations have not been disclosed, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to eradicate criminal enterprises that have become increasingly emboldened in Ecuador.

Since early 2021, Ecuador has seen a dramatic surge in violence linked to organized crime, often working in conjunction with drug trafficking cartels from Colombia and Mexico. The country is strategically positioned as a logistical hub for drug trafficking, acting as a key transit point for narcotics entering both Central America and beyond to markets in the United States and Europe. As Ecuador embarks on this critical offensive, it signals a determined response to the challenges posed by pervasive criminal organizations operating within its borders.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the efficacy of this initiative and its long-term impact on public safety and crime reduction in the affected provinces.