Foreign military forces are welcomed by Ecuador's president to combat criminal gangs within the nation.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa Pushes for International Military Aid
According to a recent interview with the BBC, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has expressed his desire for foreign military assistance from the United States, Europe, and Brazil to combat the escalating gang violence in the country. This request comes as part of a broader strategy to tackle Ecuador's deteriorating security situation.
In an interview with Guayaquil's Radio City, Noboa outlined a plan involving law enforcement agencies, ministries, and international assistance, including potential support from special forces. CNN has reached out to the Pentagon and Brazil's defense ministry regarding the possibility of sending troops to Ecuador.
The need for additional armed forces has been a recurring theme for Noboa, who previously called for international forces to support Ecuador's efforts against gangs. Discussions regarding foreign military assistance are reportedly ongoing, with a focus on reviving military assistance programs. However, the involvement of Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military contractor formerly known as Blackwater, has sparked controversy over potential privatization of Ecuador’s security efforts.
Ecuador has been plagued by waves of gang violence, often linked to the drug trade, which prompted the government to take extreme measures such as a nationwide crackdown last year, preemptive pardons for law enforcement officers, and states of emergency. The start to the year has seen an unprecedented level of violence, with over 1,000 homicides, making Ecuador the country with the highest homicide rate in Latin America, according to data from organized crime research center InSight Crime.
As Ecuador prepares for a run-off presidential vote next month, Noboa's tough-on-crime approach is a key part of his campaign, despite criticism from human rights groups and his political opponent Luisa Gonzalez. Noboa has labeled several gangs in the country as terror groups and called for U.S. President Donald Trump to take similar action.
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Overall:
Yes, Ecuador has requested military aid from the U.S. to address escalating security challenges. Here is an overview of the current status:
U.S. Assistance
- Request for Military Aid: Ecuador has intensified efforts to secure U.S. military aid and anti-narcotics funding. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Matrix Aviation Inc., a U.S.-based company, and aims to lobby for the reinstatement of Ecuador’s eligibility for FMF funding through the U.S. Congress.
Current Status
- Ongoing discussions with the U.S. are focusing on reviving military assistance programs.
- The involvement of Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, has sparked controversy over potential privatization of Ecuador’s security efforts.
- Ecuador faces significant challenges in obtaining consent for foreign military presence due to political and historical opposition within the country.
[1] CIDAC Report: Ecuador's Request for Military Aid | May 2021[2] Latin America Advisor: Ecuador Contemplates Inviting Foreign Troops | April 2021[3] Inter Press Service: Ecuador Faces Political Backlash Over Military Talks with U.S. | April 2021[4] BBC News: Ecuador Asks for Foreign Troops to Fight Gang Violence | May 2021
- In an effort to combat the rising gang violence in Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa is seeking military aid from countries across the Americas, including the United States.
- As part of a broader strategy to address Ecuador's deteriorating security situation, Noboa proposes a plan involving international assistance, potentially including support from special forces.
- Looking ahead to 2024, it remains unclear whether Ecuador will receive military aid from foreign countries, considering the ongoing discussions and potential political and historical opposition within the country.
