Follow Al Rai
Ecuador announced on Tuesday the imposition of a state of emergency in eight provinces experiencing violence linked to drug trafficking.
President Daniel Noboa imposed the exceptional measures in seven coastal provinces, including Guayas, which includes the coastal city of Guayaquil, as well as Pichincha province, where the capital Quito is located.
The measures also include three towns in the provinces of Azuay, Bolivar, and Cotopaxi, which the government said are aimed at putting an end to "serious internal disturbances."
In just a few years, Ecuador has transformed from one of the safest countries in South America into a major hub for cocaine smuggling, amid the activity of gangs linked to drug cartels in Colombia and Mexico.
According to the organization "Insight Crime," the murder rate last year was 51 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, which is equivalent to almost one murder per hour.
Noboa, supported by the United States, has repeatedly declared states of emergency and curfews, and deployed the army on the streets and in prisons in an attempt to restore security.
The new security campaign comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Ecuador, which he described as a "loyal ally" in the fight against drugs.
Washington has also classified several Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist organizations, while U.S. forces have recently targeted boats they said were being used by the gang "Los Choneros" to smuggle drugs.
In contrast, people who were on those boats claim they are fishermen and have no connection to the drug trade.
Know more about this story?Send us a tip
Ask about this report — answers stay grounded in its text.
