Ecuador Prepares Major Offensive Against Criminal Groups with US Logistical Support
Ecuador is gearing up for a significant offensive against criminal organizations, set to commence this weekend, with crucial logistical backing from the United States. Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed the operation on Wednesday, highlighting a coordinated effort to dismantle violent groups in the country's most affected regions.
Curfew and Operational Details
In a radio interview, Reimberg announced that a curfew will be enforced from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting March 15 and lasting until March 30, in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. These areas are among the most violent in Ecuador, and the curfew aims to ensure public safety and facilitate military movements.
"We do not want collateral victims from the attacks we are about to launch," Reimberg stated, emphasizing the need for residents to stay indoors and keep roads clear. "We have significant support from U.S. forces for the operations we are about to carry out."
US Involvement and Regional Context
The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador has not yet commented on the offensive, and neither the U.S. Defense Department nor the U.S. Southern Command provided immediate responses. This announcement follows recent joint military operations between Ecuador and the U.S. against organized crime, though previous details on location and scope were limited.
Reimberg explained that the offensive targets violent criminal groups to "destroy what they have built in various parts of the country," but specific operational details remain undisclosed due to security concerns.
Background on Ecuador's Crime Crisis
Since early 2021, Ecuador has faced a relentless assault from organized crime groups, which police link to drug trafficking cartels in Colombia and Mexico. The country serves as a key logistical hub for narcotics, with shipments primarily from Colombia and Peru passing through Ecuadorian seaports en route to Central America, the United States, and Europe.
This strategic position has made Ecuador a focal point in regional anti-drug efforts, with authorities working to disrupt the flow of illicit goods and combat the violence associated with these criminal networks.
