Noboa announces new strategy to confront drug trafficking crime as nighttime curfews are imposed

Acknowledging past failures of the country’s “war on narco-terrorism,” President Daniel Noboa on Monday announced a “new phase” in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal mining. Beginning this month, he said, Ecuador will participate in joint law enforcement operations with regional allies and the United States.

Heads of the U.S. Southern Command attended a Monday cabinet meeting in which President Daniel Noboa announced a new anti-crime strategy.

Also on Monday, the government said that states of emergency will be extended in nine provinces and two cantons and that an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew has been ordered for four provinces beginning March 15.

The emergency extension applies to Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena. Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and Sucumbíos Provinces. The curfew, which will be in effect for 15 days and may be extend, applies to Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo and El Oro Provinces.

On his social media accounts, Noboa said efforts will be “intensified in the fight against drug terrorists” and illegal mining. “The security of Ecuadorians is this government’s top priority, and we will fight to obtain peace in every corner of the country. To achieve that peace, we must act forcefully against criminals, wherever they are. Success in the search for justice and national dignity is a promise that we will fulfill to all Ecuadorians.”

The government’s new strategy was announced at a cabinet meeting that included Francis L. Donovan, head of the U.S. Southern Command, and Rear Adm. Mark A. Schafer, commander of Special Operations for the Southern Command.
Noboa said that details of the joint operations would be released “at the appropriate time.”

Following the meeting, Interior Minister John Reimberg said that the curfew would be “agressively enforced” by police and the armed forces. “For those subject to the curfew, we ask that you stay at home during the restricted hours,” he said. “We are in a war and are taking decisive steps in the fight against drug trafficking and criminal groups.”