The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, defended in Washington the military offensive driven by his government against drug trafficking organizations and reaffirmed his strategic alliance with the United States in terms of security. During a two-day official visit to the U.S. capital, the president stated that Ecuador is undergoing a “war against narcoterrorism” and argued that the extraordinary measures implemented by his administration are necessary to regain control of the country in the face of the advance of organized crime.
Noboa participated in meetings at the Organization of American States (OAS), meetings with U.S. officials, and activities organized by the Atlantic Council. He also held talks with Vice President JD Vance while Donald Trump continued his diplomatic tour of Asia.
The Ecuadorian president particularly defended the recent joint military operations between Ecuadorian and U.S. forces against criminal groups linked to drug trafficking. The actions generated international controversy following reports of possible damage to civilian facilities near the border with Colombia during some bombings and intelligence operations.
“Drug traffickers do not hide in fortresses with neon signs. They hide in civilian facilities,” Noboa stated during one of his presentations. The president also maintained that all operations are conducted with intelligence information and under coordination between both governments.
