The United States has confirmed the temporary deployment of Air Force personnel to the coastal city of Manta, Ecuador. This operation is part of a collaborative initiative with Ecuador’s military aimed at combating narco-terrorism in the region. The deployment marks a significant return of U.S. military presence to a base that was a crucial anti-drug hub until its closure in 2009.
In a national referendum held in mid-November 2023, over 60% of Ecuadorian voters rejected a proposal to permit foreign military bases on their territory. This decision posed a challenge to President Daniel Noboa‘s security strategy, which has increasingly focused on addressing escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. Despite the referendum outcome, authorities in Quito have emphasized that the current operation does not involve the establishment of a permanent foreign base. They argue it aligns with existing agreements that allow for temporary joint operations.
The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador stated that the Air Force contingent is already operating from the Manta air base in Manabí province. The embassy highlighted that the mission is limited in duration and adheres to Ecuadorian law. A statement from the embassy noted, “This short-term joint effort is part of our bilateral security strategy, in line with agreements currently in force under Ecuadorian law.”
The operation aims to bolster Ecuador’s armed forces in their fight against narco-terrorism, which U.S. officials describe as a shared threat. The deployment is seen as a proactive measure to enhance security in both nations. In support of this initiative, President Noboa expressed his approval, stating it would assist in “identifying and dismantling drug trafficking routes” and confronting criminal organizations.
Ecuador’s Defense Ministry confirmed that U.S. military equipment arrived at the Manta base prior to the announcement, though specific details regarding operational plans remain confidential. The mission is reportedly focused on intelligence sharing and capacity building. Manta’s strategic location, being one of Ecuador’s main ports and the nearest point on the mainland to the Galápagos Islands, is vital for maritime surveillance. This area plays a significant role in combating not only drug trafficking but also illegal fishing and human smuggling.
The return of U.S. forces comes as Ecuador grapples with a marked decline in internal security. In January 2024, President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” and designated major criminal groups as terrorist organizations. This deployment is also part of a broader U.S. effort to enhance military cooperation throughout Latin America, including recent agreements with Peru and Paraguay.
In remarks regarding regional security, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The most serious problem we have in our hemisphere is these transnational terrorist organizations.” He noted that these groups primarily operate for economic gain, underscoring the necessity for international cooperation to address these challenges.
As this operation unfolds, it represents a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ecuador relations and a renewed commitment to tackling the complexities of narco-terrorism in a region facing significant security threats.
