Ecuador reports significant decrease in homicides under new anti-crime initiative

Ecuador Announces Decrease in Intentional Homicides Amid Anti-Cartel Military Operation

President Daniel Noboa has reported a 28% decrease in intentional homicides in March compared to the same month last year. The government of Ecuador has credited this decline to its collaboration with the United States on an anti-cartel military operation.

According to Interior Minister John Reimberg, 4,300 people have been arrested nationwide as part of the recent crackdown, and 2,200 search warrants have been executed. Reimberg attributed these results to President Noboa’s leadership and the work of the Security Bloc, a blended task force composed of national police and military members.

Defence Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo echoed Reimberg’s remarks, stating that the cartels are “cornered” and that this is just the beginning. The operation has been supported by the US, which has provided intelligence and logistics to Ecuadorian forces.

President Noboa had previously run for re-election on a pledge to combat violent crime in Ecuador, which surged after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the country has seen an influx of criminal networks seeking to capitalize on its weakened economy and strategic position on the Pacific Ocean.

The government’s efforts have been met with questions about potential human rights abuses, as Ecuador joins forces with other countries to combat cartels throughout Latin America. The US has hosted a security summit featuring President Noboa and other right-wing leaders, including El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

In an interview, President Noboa compared the country’s struggles with criminal violence to a war, stating that it is necessary to justify a military-style response. A recent bombing campaign along Ecuador’s borders was part of this effort.

The government has imposed a two-week-long curfew on four provinces as part of its offensive against the “criminal economy”. The US has largely provided support for this operation, which has been carried out by Ecuadorian forces.

Source: Al Jazeera