Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reimberg, reported that «more than six vessels carrying drugs have been destroyed». He also announced the detention in Ecuador of a Syrian man who «is classified as a terrorist target by the United States, as a member of Hezbollah». The U.S. Special Envoy for the Americas Shield initiative, Kristi Noem, highlighted on Wednesday in Ecuador the joint efforts of both countries to stop illegal immigration, «dismantle» cartels and criminal organizations, and ensure border security. Kristi Noem also stated that the two nations and the rest that make up the Americas Shield in the region «we will eradicate terrorism and secure our hemisphere from foreign influence», at an event held at the Presidential headquarters in Quito. «We will continue to work with each country to build this shield that protects us from dangers», Noem emphasized in statements that were recorded in a video distributed by the government, in which she is seen being decorated with the National Order of Merit in the degree of Grand Cross by the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa. «They will get the treatment they deserve». She also called on Ecuadorians not to get involved with «drug trafficking vessels» to avoid being attacked within the framework of «a joint military offensive to attack the economic and military structures».
Ecuador's Close Relationship with the United States Ecuadorian military, with information provided by the United States, have also carried out bombings, especially in the Amazon, to destroy facilities that, according to authorities, belonged to criminal groups. As evidence of that close collaboration between the two countries, the opening of an office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Quito was recently announced, with which about fifty Ecuadorian police officers are collaborating. Reimberg also highlighted agreements that allow Ecuador to have direct access to information to locate targets and carry out attacks within the country. Another element of these binational ties was the invitation from President Donald Trump to the Ecuadorian leader almost three weeks ago to join the Americas Shield initiative. This is the third time in less than a year that Noem has visited Ecuador. He did not provide further details. Reimberg warned that «we will not tolerate terrorists in the country». In the two previous occasions, she did so as Secretary of National Security, and one of the central objectives was the fight against organized crime.
Detention of an Iranian Cleric The Interior Minister also reported that a «supposed Iranian cleric linked to commercial partners» of drug front men and terrorist groups was also detained in Quito. He is accused of resource collection, information, and indoctrination to establish targets in the region. The Ecuadorian government indicated that the Iranian cleric was wanted abroad due to his activities linked to terrorism and that he is undergoing deportation procedures without informing where he will be sent. «There are teams of them that are being used to locate criminal targets», Reimberg stated. The media did not have access. What countries will Kristi Noem visit? The visit of the former Secretary of National Security is part of a tour of countries that form the Americas Shield coalition, among which are Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic. Noem also said that there is a possibility of building good economic relations with «our closest allies in the Western Hemisphere». On his part, Daniel Noboa highlighted the «importance of international cooperation to face shared challenges» and that Ecuador «firmly believes in the power of alliances» with strategic partners. Noem's visit comes as both countries maintain close collaboration to fight organized crime and drug trafficking in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean and on continental territory, as highlighted by the government. The man, identified by the official by his initials M.K., had been detained in 2005 in the Andean country accused of «leading a drug trafficking network», but was released in 2012. The Associated Press requested a comment from the U.S. embassy regarding this, but has not received a response at the moment.
