Ecuador Prepares For U.S. Military Presence Amid Rising Gang Violence

 

Ecuador is laying the groundwork for U.S. forces to arrive, according to obtained plans, as its president calls on U.S. President Donald Trump to help battle powerful gangs in a country once known as the "island of peace."

New Naval Facility Under Construction

A high-level Ecuadorian official familiar with the planning revealed that construction of a new naval facility in the coastal city of Manta is part of the preparation. The facility will include barracks-style housing and administrative offices designed to support sustained operations and U.S. military personnel. The official, speaking anonymously, stated, "The expectation is that these will be eventually occupied by U.S. troops."

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has been vocal about his desire for foreign military assistance as gangs continue to unleash violence across the country. Noboa is set to meet Trump in Florida to discuss immigration, trade, and security cooperation.

During an interview, Noboa described Ecuador as being under siege from "international narco-terrorist" groups and emphasized the necessity of "help from international forces." He has stated that discussions are ongoing regarding foreign military support for high-crime provinces such as Guayas.

Expedited Construction Plans and U.S. Support

The rapid pace of construction in Manta indicates how soon Ecuador hopes for international assistance. Ecuador’s Defense Ministry has signed an agreement with Manta’s port authority to build a 150-meter pier and expand the existing port by more than 700 square meters.

Documents suggest that these projects have U.S. backing, with a U.S. representative reportedly present at the signing of the agreement. Renderings of a floating dock, labeled “Southcom Floating Dock,” reference the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom). Another document from June 2024 bears the logo of the U.S. State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and describes an "international collaboration with the U.S. Embassy" to enhance Ecuador’s anti-narcotics special unit in partnership with the DEA.

In March, Ecuador’s government announced that several U.S.-backed investments—previously paused due to geopolitical concerns—are resuming, with funding allocated for a pier and a DEA-linked base.

National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt confirmed that "President Trump is firmly committed to strengthening bilateral security cooperation with Ecuador, including through the recent agreement in Manta."

Precedent and Strategic Considerations

From 1999 to 2009, U.S. troops operated out of the now-defunct Manta Air Base, conducting surveillance flights to track drug routes in the eastern Pacific. Noboa has also requested that the U.S. designate Ecuadorian armed groups as terrorist organizations, potentially allowing for more direct military intervention.

Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo emphasized Ecuador’s need for external resources, stating, "When troops from another country come, they bring resources. And those are what we need the most."

Ecuador’s Escalating Crisis

Ecuador now holds the highest homicide rate in Latin America, surpassing even Mexico, according to InSight Crime. Drug trafficking routes, gang turf wars, and alliances with foreign cartels fuel the violence.

In cities like Guayaquil and Durán, authorities conduct frequent raids, uncovering torture sites, cartel symbols, and gang insignias. However, officials admit that despite these operations, the violence feels more contained rather than eliminated.

The strategic location of Ecuador—bordered by major cocaine producers Peru and Colombia—along with its dollarized economy and historically lax visa policies, makes it an attractive hub for criminal organizations. Corruption further exacerbates the issue, with bribery among law enforcement officials reportedly common.

International Partnerships and Future Prospects

Noboa is framing his crackdown as a global issue, positioning himself as a hardliner on security ahead of Ecuador’s presidential runoff election. Unlike Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who opposes foreign military intervention, Noboa actively seeks it.

His upcoming meeting with Trump represents his most direct effort yet to secure U.S. backing. Noboa has also sought private military assistance, forming a "strategic alliance" with Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military firm formerly known as Blackwater. This move has sparked criticism within Ecuador, with some viewing it as a step toward a "mercenary army."

For Noboa, foreign assistance is not just a future possibility—it is already in motion. Ecuador is expanding its military infrastructure, navigating political negotiations, and making its case to international allies. Whether this strategy will yield rapid results remains to be seen.