Ecuador President Calls for International Military Support Against Gangs

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa is actively seeking international military assistance to combat escalating gang violence, which he describes as a 'war' against drug traffickers. In a recent interview, he called for the involvement of U.S., European, and Brazilian armed forces, while also requesting that U.S. President Donald Trump designate Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist organizations. Noboa's administration has faced significant challenges, with a reported 781 homicides in January 2025 alone, despite a slight decrease in the overall murder rate during his term. He highlighted the transformation of local gangs into organized 'narco-terrorist' groups, emphasizing that 70% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador. Noboa's efforts include a controversial partnership with Erik Prince, founder of the private military contractor Blackwater, to bolster Ecuador's security forces. As he heads into a runoff election on April 13, crime and security remain pivotal issues for voters.