Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa is actively seeking foreign military assistance from the United States to address the country's escalating security challenges related to crime and drug trafficking. Positioned between Colombia and Peru—leading cocaine producers—Ecuador has become a conduit for the drug trade, which has led to increased violence within its borders. This request for assistance coincides with the United States having already invested $81 million since 2018 to assist Ecuador in tackling drug cartels.
The United States and Ecuador have a Status of Forces Agreement in place, which allows for the deployment of US military and civilian personnel to Ecuador while maintaining US control over them if necessary. This agreement could facilitate the presence of US troops in Ecuador, a move that President Noboa is advocating for as he seeks to bolster the country's security apparatus. The proposal, however, requires approval from the Ecuadorian congress. It has garnered some support in Guayaquil, Ecuador's most populous and increasingly dangerous city.
In recent years, Ecuador has become unwittingly enmeshed in the global drug trade. The country’s efficient transport and export systems have been exploited by cartels to move cocaine overseas, often concealed in shipments of bananas. Notably, police dogs uncovered more than six tons of cocaine hidden under bananas at a port near Guayaquil last July. In November, Spanish authorities reported their largest drug bust ever, intercepting 13 tons of cocaine shipped from Guayaquil.
The banana trade is significant for Ecuador, accounting for about one in five bananas imported to the United States. This vital export industry inadvertently facilitates drug smuggling, complicating efforts to curb narcotics trafficking.
The deteriorating security situation has prompted more Ecuadorians to seek safety elsewhere, with many traveling north towards the United States. Data reveals a dramatic increase in undocumented Ecuadorian travelers intercepted by US Customs and Border Protection: from 24,936 individuals in 2022 to 124,023 in 2024. Meanwhile, Ecuador has been accepting more deportation flights since former President Trump's administration.
Guayaquil, once a thriving commercial hub, now finds itself beleaguered by crime. Police Capt. Orlando Posligua noted efforts to combat crime through targeted operations in the city's most dangerous areas.
“We’ve pinpointed the most dangerous areas in the city to carry out these anti-crime operations,” – Police Capt. Orlando Posligua
Local perspectives on foreign military aid are mixed. While some see potential benefits, others are skeptical about the implications. An undercover officer expressed hope for US assistance.
“We could use the US’s help,” – An undercover officer
“We need resources: vehicles, armor, personnel.” – An undercover officer
“I want to have US troops back at the base they once occupied,” – An undercover officer
However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Stalin Escobar voiced concerns about the financial costs and priorities of such an initiative.
“I don’t think it would come here for free … the government needs to invest that money to equip our police and military instead of paying foreigners.” – Stalin Escobar
Despite these concerns, there is support for international involvement from other quarters.
“It would be excellent to get foreign support to help the Ecuadorians.” – Jaqueline Villacres
Historically, the United States maintained a military presence at a base in Manta on Ecuador's Pacific coast until foreign bases were prohibited by the Ecuadorian constitution. President Noboa's current appeal suggests a shift in policy could be on the horizon as he seeks enhanced security collaboration with Ecuador's largest trade partner and investor.
The potential for renewed military cooperation underscores the urgency with which the Ecuadorian government views its current predicament. President Noboa's administration is pushing for immediate solutions as the country grapples with rampant drug-related violence and its socio-economic repercussions.
