Background and Context
Ecuador is currently on “maximum alert” following the circulation of an intelligence report warning about potential terrorist attacks against reelected President Daniel Noboa by Mexican and other country’s hired assassins, as stated by the Ecuadorian government on Saturday.
Daniel Noboa, a controversial figure in Ecuadorian politics, won the presidency amidst allegations of electoral fraud and questions surrounding his legitimacy. His victory has strained relations between Ecuador and Mexico, which have not maintained formal diplomatic ties since 2013.
The Intelligence Report and Mexico’s Response
A military report, leaked on social media and dated Thursday, claimed that Mexico and “other countries” had dispatched hitmen to Ecuador with the intent to assassinate Noboa and his cabinet members. The report, signed by Colonel Rolando Proaño of the Ecuadorian Army, sparked immediate concern within the Ecuadorian government.
In response, Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs firmly denied these allegations, stating:
“There has been circulation of information in certain media outlets… that suggests… the transfer of assassins from Mexico… with the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks against the President of the Republic.”
“The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects the repeated and irresponsible creation of narratives…”
Ecuador’s Heightened Security Measures
Following the leaked report, Ecuador’s Ministry of Government declared a “maximum alert” status. The country’s armed forces, national police, and intelligence agencies collaborated to counter any perceived threats.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico City had previously clarified that she would not reestablish diplomatic relations with President Noboa, citing doubts about the legitimacy of his electoral victory.
Ecuador’s Accusations and Lack of Evidence
The Ecuadorian government attributed the alleged assassination plot to “criminal structures” collaborating with defeated political sectors, without providing specifics or names.
This incident has further fractured the already strained relationship between Ecuador and Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation between Ecuador and Mexico? Ecuador is on high alert due to unfounded claims of Mexican-backed assassination attempts against President Daniel Noboa.
- Who is Daniel Noboa? Daniel Noboa is the controversial and reelected President of Ecuador, whose legitimacy has been questioned following his victory amidst allegations of electoral fraud.
- What is the history of relations between Ecuador and Mexico? Ecuador and Mexico have not maintained formal diplomatic ties since 2013, with relations further deteriorating due to Noboa’s contested presidency.
- How did Mexico respond to the allegations? Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs denied the claims, rejecting what they called “irresponsible narratives” created around the situation.
- What security measures has Ecuador taken? Following the leaked report, Ecuador placed its armed forces, national police, and intelligence agencies on maximum alert to counter any perceived threats.
