Ecuador Launches Major Offensive on Criminal Groups with U.S. Support and New FBI Office

Ecuador Plans Major Offensive Against Criminal Groups

Ecuador will launch a big offensive against criminal organizations in three western regions this weekend, with logistical backing from the United States, the interior minister announced on Wednesday. Interior Minister John Reimberg urged residents of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas—three of the most dangerous provinces in South America—to adhere to a curfew. The curfew, running from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., is set to be in place from March 15th to the 30th.

Residents under curfew should stay at home and keep the roads clean to allow troops and equipment to move around, he warned. "We're not looking to create collateral damage with these upcoming strikes," Reimberg told the press. The United States is firmly on our side for the operations we are about to carry out. "The statement came only days after Ecuador and the United States launched combined military operations against organized crime groups in the South American country, though neither government provided information on the operation's location or extent. Reimberg said the attacks on violent criminal gangs are aimed at "destroying what they have built in various parts of the country," but he declined to disclose specifics due to security concerns.

U.S. Support and Strengthening Security Cooperation

The United States Embassy in Ecuador did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from The Associated Press. When asked for a comment Wednesday afternoon, the US Southern Command only reiterated Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan's remarks following the March 3 strikes: "We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country."

Later Wednesday, Ecuador and the United States announced an agreement to build the first-ever FBI office in Ecuador, which U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Lawrence Petroni called "a very important milestone" in strengthening the operational link between the FBI and Ecuadorian police. According to police, the FBI will begin activities inside the United States Embassy in Quito. Vice President María José Pinto welcomed the idea as necessary for "better investigating and understanding criminal threats."

Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Networks

Since the beginning of 2021, Ecuador has been under siege by organized crime, with police attributing the violence to groups with strong connections to drug cartels in Colombia and Mexico. The country has become a key logistical center for drug trafficking, serving as both a staging ground and distribution point for narcotics. The bulk of these drugs entering Ecuador stems from Colombia, though a smaller share makes its way from Peru. Officials report that these illegal shipments are then sent from Ecuadorian seaports to destinations including Central America, the United States, and Europe.