"The time for the mafias is over," say the Ministers of the Interior and Defense as a curfew begins
Ecuador's Ministers of Interior and Defense announced the start of a curfew in provinces affected by crime, aiming to combat organized crime through coordinated military and police operations.
The Ecuadorian government has initiated a curfew in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas as part of a crackdown on organized crime. From the unified command post in Guayaquil, the Ministers of the Interior and Defense communicated their message to the public, indicating that the time for criminal organizations is over and emphasizing their commitment to restoring safety in affected areas. The Interior Minister, John Reimberg, noted that a total of 75,000 public force members will be deployed in focused operations targeted against criminal structures during March.
The detailed security operations are said to involve complex measures with coordinated actions on land, air, and sea. Minister of Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo highlighted the importance of controlling strategic routes and progressively recovering areas that have been taken over by criminal groups. This multi-faceted approach is part of a broader strategy to disrupt and dismantle mafia activities, which have surged in the region, affecting public safety and the daily lives of citizens.
Authorities have urged the public to adhere to the curfew as a measure to protect community safety and support ongoing law enforcement efforts. This is part of a larger national initiative aiming to bolster security and tackle the deep-rooted issues posed by organized crime in various provinces, reflecting the government's determination to restore order amid growing concerns over public safety.