Ecuador has begun a two-week military offensive against drug traffickers, backed by the United States, with Interior Minister John Reimberg declaring the country 'at war' and imposing curfews in coastal provinces. The operation deploys 35,000 soldiers, armored vehicles, and helicopters.
Building on a January agreement for joint US-Ecuador operations throughout 2026 against narcotrafficking and cross-border crime, Ecuador launched the offensive on Sunday. Minister Reimberg announced the 'very strong' push targeting violence hotspots and imposed nighttime curfews in Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and El Oro provinces for two weeks. He urged citizens: 'Don't take any risks, don't go out, stay home,' and warned mafias on social media: 'Your time is up. Nothing can stop us.'
Images show 35,000 troops with armored cars and helicopters deployed. Direct US troop involvement on Ecuadorian soil remains unclear, though prior joint actions under President Daniel Noboa—including strikes earlier this month and sinking a 'narco sub' near the northern border—have occurred. Last week, the FBI announced an office in Ecuador to tackle organized crime, money laundering, and corruption with local police.
Ecuador and the US are in a 17-country anti-cartel alliance launched by President Donald Trump earlier this month. Noboa, a Trump ally, has targeted cocaine traffickers for two years, but murders, disappearances, and extortion persist despite efforts. About 70% of drugs from Colombia and Peru transit through Ecuador.
