Background on the Situation
In June, the National Assembly of Ecuador approved a constitutional reform to allow foreign military bases on its soil, a prohibition since 2009 under Rafael Correa’s presidency due to concerns over territorial sovereignty.
Key Players
Marco Rubio: The United States Secretary of State, who announced the designation during his visit to Ecuador’s capital, Quito.
Daniel Noboa: President of Ecuador, who supports the US military presence to combat organized crime.
US Actions and Announcements
Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration has designated the Ecuadorian criminal groups ‘Los Choneros’ and ‘Los Lobos’ as terrorist organizations. The US will allocate $13.7 million to fight drugs and crime, as well as invest $6 million in drones and unmanned aerial vehicles for the Ecuadorian Navy to combat these issues.
Long-term Plan for US Military Presence
These measures are part of a long-term plan to station US troops in Ecuador, enabling joint training and operations to address “common threats.” The constitutional reform approved by the National Assembly of Ecuador in June permits foreign military bases, which were previously prohibited.
Impact on Crime and Drug Trafficking
President Noboa believes that the US presence will help combat organized crime. During the period when the US occupied the Manta base, cocaine seizures increased nearly 500%.
Expanding Economic Relations
Beyond counter-narcotics and anti-money laundering efforts, Marco Rubio aims to strengthen economic ties with Ecuador. Although he does not control tariffs, he acknowledges their significance in the bilateral relationship and expresses optimism about upcoming positive announcements.
Migration Agreement
Rubio’s visit to Quito follows the recent announcement of an agreement between the US and Ecuador to receive up to 300 migrants annually, likely without criminal records, as part of the Trump administration’s plans to expedite deportations.
Additional Terrorist Designation
President Noboa has supported some of the US assertions regarding regional mafia presence, designating the ‘Cártel de los Soles’ as a terrorist organization, aligning with Washington’s stance.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who designated ‘Los Choneros’ and ‘Los Lobos’ as terrorist organizations? The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- What is the purpose of the US investment in drones and unmanned aerial vehicles for Ecuador? To assist the Ecuadorian Navy in combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
- What is the significance of the constitutional reform in Ecuador? It permits foreign military bases, previously prohibited since 2009.
- What are the US plans for strengthening economic relations with Ecuador? Marco Rubio aims to expand bilateral trade and address tariff concerns.
- What is the migration agreement between the US and Ecuador? The US and Ecuador have agreed to receive up to 300 migrants annually, likely without criminal records.
- Which additional organization was designated as a terrorist group by Ecuador? The ‘Cártel de los Soles’ was designated as a terrorist organization by Ecuador’s President Noboa, aligning with the US stance.
