Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a commitment to intensify the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking through a new phase that involves military and police operations with regional allies. During a speech at the General Alberto Enríquez Gallo Police Academy, Noboa outlined the government's strategy to combat various forms of delinquency, including illegal mining and extortion, noting the critical security situation in several provinces.

Effective immediately, a curfew has been imposed in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo, and El Oro from March 15 to March 30 as part of these efforts. Noboa highlighted that the recent escalations in violence and conflicts in these areas underscore the need for a robust response to control crime rates and restore public safety. The government aims to collaborate with neighboring countries to enhance enforcement and operational efficiency in tackling these urgent security challenges.

This announcement comes amid rising public concern over violence, with 331 homicides recorded recently in these regions. Noboa's government faces significant pressure to demonstrate progress in improving security and addressing public fears regarding crime. This new strategy appears as a direct response not only to internal crime rates but also to the broader issues of regional security that affect multiple countries in Latin America.