Ecuador Lets Foreign Soldiers Help Fight Drug Cartels

The Ecuadorian government has opened a new chapter in its fight against drug gangs by allowing foreign troops to operate on its soil. President Daniel Noboa signed a decree that lets soldiers from partner nations work side‑by‑side with local forces in the most violent provinces. The decision follows a recent meeting at the Pentagon, where U. S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Ecuador’s cooperation against trans‑national crime. This move builds on earlier steps. In January, the president declared that organized crime groups were waging an internal armed conflict against the state. He also listed 22 criminal organizations as terrorist groups under a new decree. Now, foreign military personnel will be granted immunity according to existing international agreements.The most important agreement cited is the Status of Forces Agreement between Ecuador and the United States, signed in October 2023 and ratified in February 2024. That treaty covers the temporary presence of U. S. military and civilian staff, training missions, joint exercises, humanitarian aid, and cooperation against drug trafficking and terrorism. While the decree does not name all possible partners or set a start date, it signals that Ecuador is ready to host foreign forces. Other recent agreements with France, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Argentina, the European Union and Peru did not involve troop deployments. The decree also urges lawmakers to grant amnesty to those who act in defense of the state during these operations. Ecuador’s security situation has worsened, with the country becoming a major route for cocaine and experiencing rising homicides, extortion, kidnappings, and gang clashes. The decision marks a significant shift: Ecuador is no longer fighting alone. It seeks to strengthen its security forces with international support, hoping to curb the influence of drug cartels and protect its citizens.