Ecuador's Homicide Drop: Military Curfew Success

0:00On April 1st, Ecuador's government announced a sharp 28% drop in intentional homicides nationwide last March. They credit military operations during a two-week nightly curfew in four key provinces that double as major drug trafficking routes. President Daniel Noboa rode out the curfew in Guayas, Los Rios, El Oro and Santo Domingo to ramp up security efforts and hate criminal networks, hard. Officials point to a brutal backdrop with around 9,200 violent deaths recorded in 2025, marking a 31% jump from the year before. That surge fueled public outcry and demands for tougher action. The operations, backed by the United States, zeroed in on four criminal groups, including Los Lobos, labeled a terrorist outfit by Washington last year. Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed the homicide stats compare March 2025 to March 2026. Defense leaders are doubling down, vowing no-let-up as Ecuador's clause back control from the gangs step by step.

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