Installations of possible military base were visited this Wednesday by the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, along with the Secretary of National Security of the United States, Kristi Noem. The tour included the airport and other strategic facilities where the option exists for a US military base to be installed to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Agreements and cooperation in installations of possible military base
The Ecuadorian president confirmed a few days ago that his government seeks agreements with the United States and Brazil for the installation of military bases that allow responding to the advancement of transnational crime. In addition to the analyzed installations with the US, Brazil would be part of a similar initiative in the Ecuadorian Amazon region.
Strategic tour: Manta and Salinas
During the day, Noem and Noboa arrived at the Manta military base —located 257 kilometers from Quito—, selected as the first of two sites to evaluate the operational viability of the possible military base installations. Later, they moved to the Salinas base, 348 kilometers from the capital, where US military forces could also be installed.
- Both locations were attended by the Ministers of Defense, Interior and the Chancellor, supporting the official character of the meeting.
- Noboa has pointed out that Ecuador is going through a unprecedented security crisis, driven by international gangs and cartels.
Security challenges and technological support
According to official statements, Ecuador recognizes the gravity of organized crime as an international problem and presents cooperation and technological assistance as axes to strengthen military and police tasks. During the tour of the possible military base installations, the authorities emphasized the need to share means and equipment that the country still lacks.
What follows after analyzing these installations?
The decision on the installation of foreign military bases, including the possible military base installations visited in Manta and Salinas, will be taken in the national referendum scheduled for November 16. In that consultation, the Ecuadorian population will also vote on reforms to reduce the number of assembly members and redefine political financing, as well as the call for a constituent assembly next year.
Historical context: Ecuador and US bases
Ecuador already had a US military presence in the Manta base until 2009, when the agreement was not renewed. According to international security experts, the region is experiencing a surge in drug trafficking and criminal flows, making the return of this type of cooperation a highly debated topic in both national and international forums.
More news on Ecuador and organized crime issues can be consulted in our international archive.
The possible military base installations in Ecuador return to the center of the debate on hemispheric security and national sovereignty, at a time when the country seeks concrete answers to the scourge of organized violence.
