Noboa says joint military operations with the U.S. have reduced drug trafficking and crime

President Daniel Noboa said Wednesday that U.S. military support has been crucial in reducing drug-related crime in Ecuador. “We have seen a 38% reduction in homicides near our borders as well as a reduction of drug trafficking, and assistance from the U.S. is a major part of this success,” he said in interviews with Bloomberg News.

President Daniel Noboa

He added that he expects more joint operations with the U.S. but said they will be “short-term with specific objectives.”

Noboa insisted there would be no permanent presence of U.S. troops in Ecuador, acknowledging the referendum defeat of his plan to allow a U.S. military base in the country. “Any U.S. personnel will be under the command of the Armed Forces of Ecuador,” he said. “This is not an invasion of U.S. soldiers. There will be no permanent encampment. This has been and will be a mission of cooperation between our countries for the limited purpose of defeating the narco terrorists.”

Noboa added that the U.S. military command has provided “valuable data and tracking information” that has helped Ecuadorian forces disrupt and shut down drug trafficking routes from Colombia. “The improving crime numbers are a reflection of the success of our missions,” he said.

Asked if his strategy reflected that of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, in which suspected criminals have been imprisoned without trials, Noboa said no. “My policy is to use an iron fist but with a heart,” he said. “We are following the laws of Ecuador but doing it with strength and resolve with the goal of improving the economy so our young people will have good employment opportunities.”

Noboa said he is following the model of former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, who confronted “drug traffickers without making concessions.” Noboa said he has been in contact with Uribe regarding strategies for fighting international drug gangs and cartels.

Noboa has been at odds with current Colombian President Gustavo Petro and claims Petro is not doing enough to control drug trafficking near the Ecuadorian border.

Citing what he says are improving crime numbers, Noboa said Ecuadorians are feeling “optimistic about the progress.” In 2025, he said, nine out of ten murders involved criminals killing other criminals. “In 2026, we are bringing down these numbers, making the public safer.”

Regarding voter rejection of allowing a U.S. military base on Ecuadorian soil, Noboa said it represented “a narrow interpretation on a single issue.” He cited a recent poll in which more than 70% of Ecuadorians expressed a positive view of the U.S.