Ecuador launches US-backed offensive against criminal organizations in western provinces

Ecuador initiated a major military offensive against criminal organizations in three western provinces, backed by logistical support from U.S. Southern Command. Interior Minister John Reimberg announced the operation via local radio on March 11, stating the objective is to "destroy what they have built" in Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas—three of Ecuador's most violence-affected regions.

The offensive runs through March 30 and includes a nightly curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. across the three provinces. Ecuadorian officials stated the curfew is designed to clear roads for military movements and minimize civilian casualties. The operation follows a March 6 joint U.S.-Ecuador targeted strike against what Southcom described as "designated narco-terrorist networks," establishing a precedent for this expanded collaborative campaign.