Ecuador\u2019s President Daniel Noboa wants foreign armies to help crack down on gang violence in the country. <\/p>\n
In an interview with the BBC published Tuesday night, Noboa said he wants US, European and Brazilian armies to join his \u201cwar\u201d on gangs, telling the broadcaster that his country needs more armed forces to fight against criminal groups. <\/p>\n
The Ecuadorean leader previously called for international forces to support the country\u2019s effort to combat gangs. In a local radio interview earlier this month, Noboa said his government was \u201calready in talks\u201d to receive foreign military support for provinces like Guayas known for high crime, but did not specify which countries were involved in the talks. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a plan in place with our law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces, the Strategic Intelligence Center, and international assistance and support from special forces. That\u2019s essential,\u201d he told Guayaquil\u2019s Radio City. <\/p>\n
Ecuador has been hit by waves of gang violence – often linked to the drug trade – prompting the government to take a series of extraordinary measures, including a nationwide crackdown last year, preemptive pardons for law enforcement officers battling the gangs, and states of emergency. <\/p>\n
According to figures from the government, the start to the year has seen an unprecedent level of violence with more than 1,000 homicides. Data from organized crime research center InSight Crime suggests Ecuador has the highest homicide rate in Latin America. <\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Noboa took his controversial military operation a step further earlier by announcing a \u201cstrategic alliance\u201d with Erik Prince, founder of the notorious private military contractor formerly known as Blackwater. <\/p>\n
The move was met with skepticism within Ecuador, with former army commander Luis Altamirano calling the prospective partnership \u201cdeplorable.\u201d <\/p>\n
Blackwater gained notoriety in 2007 during the Iraq War, when its private contractors opened fire in Baghdad\u2019s Nisour Square, killing 17 Iraqi civilians. The company then changed its name and Prince sold it in 2010. Four contractors were convicted and later pardoned by Trump. <\/p>\n
Asked about Prince\u2019s history, Noboa told the BBC Ecuador\u2019s laws need to be respected. <\/p>\n
Noboa\u2019s escalating tactics against the gangs come as Ecuador prepares for a run-off presidential vote next month. Noboa fell short of winning an outright majority in the country\u2019s general election last month, and has since doubled down on his tough-on-crime approach \u2013 an approach criticized by human rights groups and slammed by his political opponent Luisa Gonzalez \u2013 an ally of former leftist president Rafael Correa \u2013 who accuses him of being a leader that \u201crepresents fear.\u201d <\/p>\n
Noboa has labeled several gangs in the country as terror groups. Speaking to the BBC, Noboa called for US President Donald Trump to do the same. <\/p>\n
The State Department has given Ecuador $81 million since 2018 to help the country with its fight against organized crime and narcotics. The two countries also have an agreement that allows US military and civilian personnel to be sent to Ecuador but remain under US control if needed. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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