Ecuador has initiated a significant two-week operation against drug traffickers, commencing on March 15, 2026, with support from the United States. This campaign mobilizes more than 75,000 police officers and soldiers to confront criminal gangs in regions known for heightened violence, including Guayas, Los Rios, and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas. The U.S. government will provide material assistance to bolster these efforts.
As part of the operation, officials have imposed nightly curfews from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in coastal areas, effective until March 30. The Ecuadorian Interior Minister, John Reimberg, conveyed a strong message to residents, stating, “We’re at war.” He urged locals to prioritize their safety by remaining indoors during the curfew hours.
Reimberg detailed in a social media post that approximately 35,000 police officers were specifically deployed in the targeted provinces, emphasizing the government’s resolve against organized crime. His post included a direct warning to criminal organizations: “To the mafias: your time is up. Nothing can stop us.”
The campaign is part of a broader strategy initiated by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who has sought to address the escalating issue of cocaine trafficking over the past two years. Despite these efforts, the country has struggled to mitigate the associated rise in violent crime, including murders and extortion, which have been exacerbated by the drug trade.
According to reports from the BBC, approximately 70% of the cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru is believed to transit through Ecuador. The urgency of this operation follows a recent summit led by former U.S. President Donald Trump, where he announced a coalition of 17 countries aimed at combatting drug cartels in Latin America. At this summit, Trump characterized the cartels as a “cancer” to be eradicated, encouraging military action against them to prevent their further spread.
While it remains unclear whether U.S. troops will engage directly in the operation, the FBI has announced plans to open an office in Ecuador focused on investigating organized crime, corruption, and money laundering. In recent months, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have collaborated on joint operations, including the successful interception of a “narco sub” near Ecuador’s northern border.
This comprehensive anti-drug campaign marks a critical step in Ecuador’s ongoing battle against narcotics-related violence and signals a commitment to restoring security in affected regions.
