Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has requested military support from the US, Brazil, and Europe to combat escalating violence from drug gangs. He describes the situation as an unconventional urban guerrilla war. Security is a key issue in his reelection campaign, prompting proposed radical policies, including the involvement of foreign troops and collaboration with military contractor Erik Prince. Political and legal obstacles complicate this request, especially with opposition from his rival, Luisa Gonzalez.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has formally requested support from the United States, Brazil, and European nations to deploy troops aimed at combating the rampant violence attributed to drug gangs. In an interview with the BBC, the 37-year-old leader emphasized the necessity of international military assistance, stating, “We need the help of international forces. We are talking about armies. US, European, Brazilian special forces. This could be a great help for us.”
Once considered a relatively safe nation in Latin America, Ecuador has transformed into a vital conduit for cocaine exports originating from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. This shift has catalyzed an influx of various local and foreign cartels, leading to a surge in violence that includes kidnappings, extortion, and illegal mining. As Noboa noted, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war,” framing the situation as an “unconventional, urban guerrilla war.”
Security issues are at the forefront of Ecuador’s electoral climate, with the upcoming April elections featuring Noboa campaigning for reelection on a platform endorsing zero tolerance for illegal groups. With violence escalating to unprecedented levels, including dismembered bodies in the streets and mass shootings, he has proposed controversial measures, including the introduction of foreign military forces.
In a recent development, Noboa formed an alliance with Erik Prince, founder of the military contractor Blackwater, known for its involvement in a number of high-profile incidents. While Noboa has stated that it is “not necessarily” his intent to bring mercenaries to Ecuador, he indicated that Prince would be providing advisory support in addressing these pressing security concerns.
However, implementing this plan may encounter significant political and legal challenges, as it requires establishing status of forces agreements, along with navigating an existing ban on foreign military bases in Ecuador. His political opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, a leftist candidate and protégé of former President Rafael Correa—who previously expelled US troops—may not support such initiatives if elected.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has urgently sought military assistance from the United States and its allies to combat the escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. With security a critical issue in the imminent elections, the path to securing foreign troops is fraught with political and legal challenges, as highlighted by Noboa’s alliance with Erik Prince and the potential opposition from his rival Luisa Gonzalez. The situation underscores Ecuador’s transition toward a heightened state of insecurity that necessitates urgent intervention.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
