Ecuador’s President Seeks International Military Aid to Combat Drug Violence
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has called for U.S. and European troops to combat escalating violence from drug gangs. He emphasizes the need for international military support as Ecuador sees a surge in crime related to drug trafficking. Noboa’s reelection campaign focuses on strict measures against illegal groups, despite significant obstacles to hosting foreign troops.
Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, has appealed for assistance from the United States, Brazil, and European nations to deploy troops to combat drug gangs that have surged in violence. In a BBC interview, the 37-year-old leader emphasized the urgency of receiving international military support, specifically from U.S. and European special forces to aid in what he termed a war against drug trafficking.
Ecuador, previously recognized as one of the safest countries in Latin America, has transformed into a critical transit hub for cocaine derived from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. This rise in drug trafficking has led to the emergence of numerous local and foreign cartels, resulting in an escalation of crimes, including kidnapping and extortion, thus generating unprecedented levels of violence in the country.
As security emerges as a pivotal issue ahead of the April elections, President Noboa’s reelection campaign hinges on a strict policy towards illegal groups. Amidst extreme violence marked by dismembered bodies, car bombings, and mass shootings, Noboa has proposed a range of aggressive strategies, such as the introduction of foreign military personnel to assist in restoring order.
Additionally, Noboa has disclosed a partnership with Erik Prince, notorious for founding the private military contractor Blackwater, which has faced serious allegations in the past. While Noboa clarified that he does not intend to bring in mercenaries, he views Prince as an advisor.
However, Noboa’s aspirations to host foreign troops encounter significant legal, political, and financial obstacles, particularly relating to the need for status of forces agreements and existing limitations on foreign military bases in Ecuador. His main political opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, would likely oppose such initiatives, especially since Correa expelled U.S. troops from a vital base in Manta in 2009.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador is actively seeking military support from international forces including the United States and European nations due to a dramatic rise in violence linked to drug trafficking. This appeal comes as Ecuador faces an election where security is a primary concern, and Noboa’s strategies to combat crime include controversial proposals for foreign troop deployment. However, the realization of these plans is fraught with significant legal and political challenges.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
