US Increases Assistance to Ecuador Amid Escalating Security Crisis

President Noboa declares 'internal armed conflict' as terror groups terrorize the population and criminal enterprises grow in power.

The Biden administration plans to increase assistance to Ecuador amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the country, ranging from equipment to deploying personnel, according to a senior administration official.
Ecuador, once known as the region’s 'Island of Peace,' is now gripped by terror as gangs terrorize the population and the growing power of criminal enterprises, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel out of Mexico, complicates President Daniel Noboa’s attempts to 'neutralize' criminal groups operating within his borders.
President Daniel Noboa declared an 'internal armed conflict' in the country and ordered Ecuador’s armed forces to 'neutralize' the members of more than 20 gangs, which he labeled as terror groups.
Ecuador’s national police and armed forces have been carrying out raids of homes of those with suspected ties to terror groups, and more than 3,000 people have been arrested since January 9, according to the Ecuadorian presidency.
The crisis could drive more Ecuadorians to emigrate as locals are tired of living in fear and being extorted for protection money.