The Ecuadorian military is preparing to establish control points in Guayaquil as part of a curfew enforced from March 15 to March 30, 2026, aimed at curbing crime.
On the night of March 15, 2026, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense released a video showing dozens of military personnel ready to operate in Guayaquil during a newly enforced curfew. This initiative involves closing local businesses and public spaces earlier in the day as the curfew starts nightly from 11 PM to 5 AM. The curfew is enforced in the provinces of Los Ríos, Guayas, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
According to the Interior Minister, John Reimberg, over 75,000 combined police and military personnel have been deployed across these four provinces in response to the rising crime concerns. This deployment is part of a comprehensive strategy by the government to dismantle criminal organizations and disrupt their operations effectively. The substantial force is expected to maintain order and enhance security during the curfew hours.
The government's decision to implement a curfew indicates the severity of the security situation in Ecuador, particularly in urban areas like Guayaquil. This measure aims not only to enforce law and order but also to signal a strong stance against the increasing influence of organized crime within the region, reflecting ongoing struggles with public safety and security in the country.
