Ecuador is currently facing a wave of violence, with the armed forces deployed to assist the police in maintaining control and peace. A shootout in Guayaquil, in which over ten people were killed and many injured, highlights the ongoing challenge for the defense and security forces in the country.

The violence comes during political turmoil, as President Guillermo Lasso has dissolved the opposition-controlled National Assembly and called for early elections.

The violence is not limited to the streets but extends to Ecuadorian prisons, which have gained international notoriety for their high levels of violence. Overcrowding and a lack of staff contribute to the problem. Incidents of prison violence, such as the recent clashes in the Litoral and Cotopaxi prisons, have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

In addition to prisons, public transportation areas, particularly buses, have become violent hotspots. Organized groups of thieves target passengers, often armed with knives or guns. Although reported incidents have slightly decreased compared to the previous year, many cases likely go unreported.

A state of emergency was declared in Guayaquil to address the situation, leading to continuing efforts to combat the violence, resulting in numerous arrests and the capture of gang leaders across the country. However, it is worth noting that a significant portion of those detained have previous criminal records.

The root causes of the violence in Ecuador can be attributed to the presence of Mexican cartels, such as Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación and the Cartel de Sinaloa, who have expanded their operations into the country to capitalize on the lucrative drug trade. Ecuadorian gangs either work for these cartels or operate independently.

According to Mario Pazmiño, a former head of the Ecuadorian intelligence service, Ecuador has transformed from a transit country for drug trafficking into a major hub. The Colombian government's efforts to combat drug traffickers and narco-insurgents have pushed criminal networks to seek refuge in Ecuador. The proximity of Ecuador's Esmeraldas province to Colombia's Nariño department has led to a spill-over effect, exacerbating the drug trafficking problem in Ecuador.

The Ecuadorian military is actively involved in addressing the violence, with the Minister of Defense emphasizing their readiness to confront those who threaten peace. The army conducts regular operations nationwide, seizing weapons and drugs and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities. The Ecuadorian Navy has also conducted training focused on urban combat, indicating a shift towards re-training troops for internal security.

To further combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime, the Ecuadorian police have announced that they will receive assistance from US intelligence agencies. This support will include training in close combat and investigations related to terrorist operations. The exact details regarding the number of US personnel and the commencement of training have yet to be disclosed.

The violence in Ecuador has not only had domestic political implications but also affected the country's foreign policy. President Lasso's approval ratings have dropped significantly, and the lack of public security has become a major concern for the population. Using the armed forces in internal security operations is a controversial move. Still, it is not uncommon in the region, with countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Brazil, and Colombia having previously deployed their militaries for similar purposes.

In conclusion, the wave of violence in Ecuador is unlikely to diminish in the near future. The presence of cartels and gangs, coupled with the country's strategic location for drug trafficking, poses significant challenges. The government's efforts, supported by the armed forces and international assistance, aim to regain control and combat criminal networks. However, the long-term solution lies in addressing the root causes of the violence and implementing comprehensive strategies to dismantle these criminal networks and their drug-trafficking operations. 

Thanks for reading. You can support and reward my writing via: 

Pay Pal – [email protected]

Algo - NCG6LBALQHENQUSR77KOR6SS42FGK54BZ5L2HFDSBGQVLGYIOVWYDXFDI4

ADA – addr1q9vfs6nqz4xmtnpljwhv4tukyskd2g7enxd87rpugkwwvfun5pnla5d5tes2mvurrc77e7837yd0scrfk063qlha8wgs8d4ynz

Bitcoin 3HbxyDXE9MhNQ8RqsirqgYvFupQzh5Xby2

ETH - 0x8982cdb97bd23f092f78a16a4fc93c5c4607a285

Seeds – vladlausevic

Skycoin – ZxjhWMJRbTNCRQzy5MekZzH4fhdWFCqBP8

Tezos — tz1QrRzkTAKuPKF8dmGW6c1ScEHBUGvoiJBM