Ecuador’s Fragile Security: Judge Killed, US Joint Ops Launched, Foreign Bases Rejected
A judge was fatally shot during a state of emergency, while the country has simultaneously launched joint anti-drug trafficking operations with the United States and rejected a proposal to allow foreign military bases. These events highlight the complex security situation facing the nation.
Judge Killed in Machala
Judge Lady Pachar was shot and killed while traveling by car to a gym in Machala. According to police sources, the judge had received threats and the attack was carried out in retaliation for releasing gang members. At the time of the incident, her two bodyguards were not present.
Ecuador's Judicial Council described the killing as a "serious attack against justice and the rule of law." At least 16 judges or prosecutors have been killed in Ecuador since 2022.
"A serious attack against justice and the rule of law." — Ecuador's Judicial Council
Joint US-Ecuador Operations
Ecuador and the United States have initiated joint operations to combat drug trafficking. The US Southern Command confirmed its involvement, stating the action is aimed at combating illicit drug trafficking and confronting "narco-terrorists."
Specific details of the operations remain classified, with Ecuador's Defense Ministry describing them as an "offensive" operation. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa held discussions in Quito with US Southern Command chief Francis Donovan and Mark Schafer, head of US Special Operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Topics included plans for information sharing and operational coordination at airports and seaports.
Referendum Rejects Foreign Military Bases
Ecuadorian voters have rejected a proposed referendum that would have allowed the establishment of foreign military bases within the country. The result upholds a constitutional ban enacted in 2008.
President Noboa had advocated for overturning the ban, arguing that a foreign military presence would aid efforts against organized crime and reduce the country's rising violence. The US had previously operated a military site on Ecuador's Pacific coast, which closed 16 years ago when then-President Rafael Correa chose not to renew its lease.
Despite the referendum outcome, a temporary deployment of US Air Force personnel to the former US base in Manta occurred in December.
Context of Violence and Drug Trafficking
Ecuador has experienced a significant increase in violence in recent years. Homicides rose to a record 9,216 in the past year. President Noboa has deployed soldiers, launched raids, and declared frequent states of emergency to target drug traffickers.
A curfew was announced from March 15 to 30 in four provinces: Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and El Oro.
Approximately 70% of the cocaine produced in Colombia and Peru—the world's largest and second-largest producers—is transported through Ecuador.
The drug trade has contributed to a violent turf war involving criminal organizations. On the day of the referendum, Wilmer "Pipo" Chavarria, identified by President Noboa as the leader of the Los Lobos drug-trafficking gang, was apprehended in an operation involving Spanish police. According to Noboa, Chavarria had faked his death and was controlling criminal operations from Europe. Both Ecuador and the US classify Los Lobos as a terrorist organization.