Ecuador's Bold Move: 75,000 Troops Mobilized Against Drug Gangs

Mon Mar 16 2026 16:57:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a decisive step to combat escalating gang violence, the Ecuadorean government has deployed over 75,000 soldiers and police officers across four troubled provinces, introducing a night-time curfew to restore order.

Responding to a surge in drug-related violence and a record murder rate, President Daniel Noboa's administration has launched an extensive security operation involving 75,000 personnel and a curfew in high-risk areas. Echoing a collaborative effort with the U.S., this initiative aims to disrupt the operations of drug cartels and enhance national security.

The Ecuadorean government has deployed more than 75,000 police officers and soldiers to four of the country's most violence-wracked provinces, as announced by the interior minister. This extensive mobilization is part of a 'new phase' in their ongoing 'war' on criminal gangs.

Additionally, authorities have declared a night-time curfew in these regions to bolster safety measures and curb violence. President Daniel Noboa, in office since November 2023, has been battling drug-related violence which peaked last year with a record murder rate.

As part of a broader security strategy, Noboa has joined a U.S.-led alliance of 17 countries, aimed at combating criminal cartels in the Western Hemisphere. During a recent announcement, Ecuadorean Interior Minister John Reimberg declared, We're at war, urging citizens in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to remain indoors for their safety.

The geographical positioning of Ecuador, nestled between Colombia and Peru—two of the world's largest cocaine producers—has made it a pivotal transit route for illegal drugs. Approximately 70% of the cocaine produced in these neighboring countries passes through Ecuador.

The Ecuadorean administration's efforts have included collaborating with U.S. forces to control cocaine trafficking, marked by the recent establishment of an FBI office in the nation aimed at strengthening joint counter-narcotic operations.

Highlighting international commitments, Noboa attended a summit hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where the fight against drug trafficking was emphasized. Trump described drug gangs as a 'cancer' and called for military action to eliminate them from influence.

Despite emergency measures and tough security protocols since his inauguration, the challenge remains significant, with a spike of over 30% in the murder rate reported from 2024 to 2025. Noboa's government continues to rally for a robust stance against these deep-rooted issues to reclaim safety in Ecuador.