Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is calling for military assistance from the U.S., Brazil, and Europe to combat drug gang violence. He describes the need for special forces to address the escalating crisis. With significant challenges ahead, including legal hurdles and political opposition, Noboa’s campaign centers on national security amid the upcoming elections.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has appealed for troops from the United States, Brazil, and several European nations to assist in combating narcotics-related violence in the nation. In an interview with the BBC, President Noboa emphasized the need for international military support, particularly from countries that are significant consumers of drugs transported through Ecuador. He stated, “We need the help of international forces… US, European, Brazilian special forces. This could be a great help for us.”
Once a safe haven in Latin America, Ecuador has transformed into a crucial transit hub for cocaine from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. This illicit trade has drawn numerous cartels and gangs into the country, escalating violence through kidnapping, extortion, and illegal mining activities. Noboa described the current situation as an unconventional urban guerrilla warfare, expressing, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war.”
Security will be a central issue in the upcoming April elections, where President Noboa is campaigning for reelection with a strong stance against illegal groups. Amidst escalating violence, including dismembered bodies and car bombings, he has proposed controversial policies, such as the deployment of foreign troops. Noboa has also formed an alliance with Erik Prince, founder of the contentious private military company Blackwater, although he clarified that the involvement of mercenaries is “not necessarily” his intention, stating Prince is merely providing guidance.
However, there are significant political, financial, and legal challenges to Noboa’s proposal for foreign troops, including the necessity of status of forces agreements and a ban on foreign military bases in Ecuador. His leftist opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, is unlikely to endorse such actions if she wins. Gonzalez is closely aligned with former president Rafael Correa, who expelled U.S. troops from a key military base in Manta in 2009.
Ecuador is grappling with a severe increase in drug-related violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to seek support from international military forces in his fight against local and foreign gangs. With the upcoming elections on the horizon, security remains a prominent campaign topic. However, challenges exist in the form of legal and political opposition to foreign troop presence, particularly from Noboa’s political rival who has roots in an earlier government that opposed U.S. military bases.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
