As violence surges due to gang activity, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has made a bold appeal to the US, Europe, and Brazil to join his fight against organized crime, underlining the pressing need for military assistance to tackle the worsening situation.
US, Europe, and Brazil Draft Military Support for Ecuador's Gang War

US, Europe, and Brazil Draft Military Support for Ecuador's Gang War
Ecuador's President calls for international military aid to combat gang violence in a country overwhelmed by drug trafficking.
Ecuador's violence, primarily fueled by gang rivalry for control of drug trafficking routes, has skyrocketed in recent years, prompting President Noboa's appeal during a BBC interview. He emphasized the necessity for international military forces to help combat the crisis and has requested that US President Donald Trump label Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist organizations, similar to certain Mexican and Venezuelan groups.
President Noboa’s administration has faced mounting pressure from crime rates as he pursues a strategy of militarizing the streets whilst celebrating a reported 16% drop in murders. Still, the nation struggles with the highest violence levels in years, revealing a widespread demand for external intervention.
With increased international focus on the drug trade, he urged cooperation with foreign nations to establish military and strategic ties for support against illicit networks. Noboa’s approach has been defined by controversial associations, such as collaborations with Erik Prince, former head of Blackwater, leading to mixed responses from the public. Despite the concerns regarding potential human rights abuses tied to such associations, Noboa reiterated the necessity of leveraging external military expertise to aid local forces against well-armed gangs.
Amidst an atmosphere of rising discontent among citizens regarding public safety and security management, Noboa faces a tough electoral battle against leftist candidate Luisa González, with crime remaining a pivotal issue. With progress linked to perceptions of safety, the effectiveness of his foreign military support strategy will be critical in determining the upcoming presidential election's outcome.
As drug trafficking remains a significant contributor to Ecuador’s economy, Noboa recognizes that a coordinated international response is essential to halt the flow of narcotics and improve national stability, echoing his commitment to creating better job opportunities domestically as a long-term solution to violence.
President Noboa’s administration has faced mounting pressure from crime rates as he pursues a strategy of militarizing the streets whilst celebrating a reported 16% drop in murders. Still, the nation struggles with the highest violence levels in years, revealing a widespread demand for external intervention.
With increased international focus on the drug trade, he urged cooperation with foreign nations to establish military and strategic ties for support against illicit networks. Noboa’s approach has been defined by controversial associations, such as collaborations with Erik Prince, former head of Blackwater, leading to mixed responses from the public. Despite the concerns regarding potential human rights abuses tied to such associations, Noboa reiterated the necessity of leveraging external military expertise to aid local forces against well-armed gangs.
Amidst an atmosphere of rising discontent among citizens regarding public safety and security management, Noboa faces a tough electoral battle against leftist candidate Luisa González, with crime remaining a pivotal issue. With progress linked to perceptions of safety, the effectiveness of his foreign military support strategy will be critical in determining the upcoming presidential election's outcome.
As drug trafficking remains a significant contributor to Ecuador’s economy, Noboa recognizes that a coordinated international response is essential to halt the flow of narcotics and improve national stability, echoing his commitment to creating better job opportunities domestically as a long-term solution to violence.