Ecuador intensifies anti-drug operations with air force deployment in Duran

“Ecuadorian authorities deployed air force soldiers on Wednesday to help combat drug cartels in Duran, as the state stepped up its anti-drug trafficking efforts in one of the country’s most violent cantons. Footage shows soldiers frisking local residents and searching their belongings. Meanwhile, helicopters with searchlights can be seen flying over the area. During one of the raids, soldiers reportedly found a young man dead in the street. Police officers can be seen cordoning off the crime scene, while the victim’s family can be heard crying over the body. “The canton of Duran is under military control. We invite citizens to trust their armed forces. “Here we are patriotic people, committed to bringing peace to the canton,” one soldier said. “Internal operations will continue, including Camex (vehicle and resident control operations), as well as the control of weapons, ammunition and explosives, all for the benefit of citizens, so that they can live with greater peace and tranquility, as they deserve,” he continued. The operation is part of a state of emergency declared last month by President Daniel Noboa, who imposed curfews in several cities, including Duran. On September 3, the state of emergency was extended until September 29 in response to major operations by organized crime groups, local media reported. In 2023, Duran is reported to have the world’s highest murder rate, with a rise from 3.8 to 148 registered cases per 100,000 inhabitants between 2017 and 2023. Drug gangs are said to be active in the region due to its proximity to the ports of Guayaquil and Posorja. In January, President Daniel Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” against 22 criminal gangs and declared a state of emergency, deploying the army across the country. The crackdown comes ahead of Ecuador’s general elections in 2025.”