Military deployment arrives in Durán just hours before the start of the curfew
Ecuador's military has deployed troops in Durán ahead of a curfew scheduled to start at 11 PM on Sunday.
On March 15, military personnel from the Ecuadorian Armed Forces were deployed along Nicolás Lapentti Avenue in the canton of Durán, mere hours before a curfew was set to begin at 11 PM that night. This military action is part of the government's strategy to enhance security in the area under an active state of emergency, as outlined in Executive Decree 329. The deployment is significant as it demonstrates the government's response to escalating security concerns in the region.
Heavily armed vehicles, including armored trucks, were dispatched from Pedro Menéndez Gilbert Avenue, signaling a robust security presence intended to deter crime and enforce public order. Additionally, an armed helicopter conducted aerial patrols to provide surveillance over key routes in Durán. This level of military mobilization indicates a serious approach by the government to address issues related to crime and civil safety in the area which has shown increasing unrest.
General Mauro Bedoya, the commander of the Operations Command, was overseeing the deployment and has emphasized the importance of these measures during this critical time. The curfew and military presence are measures intended not only to restore order in Durán but also to reassure the public that the government is taking decisive action to safeguard their safety amidst rising violence. Such actions can have far-reaching implications for the local community, as they navigate a climate of uncertainty and fear regarding their security situation.