Ecuador Implements New Curfew Phase in Five Provinces to Combat Organized Crime

Ecuador is set to implement a new phase of a focused curfew in five of its provinces, effective from November 1 to November 10. The affected provinces are Guayas, Esmeraldas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro. This exceptional measure, established under Executive Decree 519, will restrict mobility daily between 00:00 and 05:00.

The primary objective of this curfew is to target criminal organizations engaged in various illicit activities, including homicides, extortion, and drug trafficking. The Ecuadorian government asserts that limiting nocturnal circulation will hinder the movement, resupply, and retreat of these criminal groups. This strategy is based on reports indicating the persistence of homicides and other crimes despite previous security efforts.

This is not the first time such a measure has been applied this year. A similar curfew was in effect for a third time between September 17 and September 30 in the same provinces, with the exception of Esmeraldas. During that period, the Ministry of the Interior reported significant operational results, including 2,561 apprehensions, 1,310 operations, and 1,050 control points. Of those detained, 1,866 were linked to cases of extortion, organized crime, weapons, and drug trafficking. Furthermore, authorities seized 8.1 tons of drugs, estimated to be worth $340 million in the illicit market, along with 456 weapons, 12,800 munitions, and 40 explosives.

The inclusion of Esmeraldas in this new phase of the curfew is specifically justified by reports detailing the presence of criminal structures and their operational capabilities within the jurisdiction. Notably, the band La Siate is cited as being active in Esmeraldas, with its members reportedly maintaining links to FARC dissidents in neighboring Colombia.

The Ministry of the Interior has highlighted that the identified threats necessitate differentiated interventions due to the mobility, weaponry, use of explosives, and territorial presence of these criminal structures. A key challenge for security forces is that the regular circulation of people and vehicles complicates the identification of threats. Therefore, temporarily restricting mobility is seen as a way to establish better conditions for public space control during planned interventions, thereby reducing the exposure of civilians.

Military reports further indicate that criminal organizations are actively working to maintain their logistical, armed, and recomposition capabilities to continue their operations, despite previous deployments. These activities include managing homicides, kidnappings, extortions, drug trafficking, and other illicit economies. A report from the National Intelligence Center underscores the need to strengthen focused operational deployment, control devices, patrolling, and intelligence operations.

Statistics from the Integrated ECU911 Service reveal that between September 17 and October 13, a total of 12,468 emergencies were recorded, with Guayas accounting for the highest number at 7,819 cases. During the 00:00 to 05:00 timeframe, police registered 33 intentional homicides across the five provinces: 15 in Guayas, nine in El Oro, six in Manabí, two in Los Ríos, and one in Esmeraldas. Additionally, 2,470 ballistic traces were collected between September 17 and October 11.

Minister of the Interior, John Reimberg, has stated that significant operations are anticipated from the Security Bloc, which comprises police and military personnel, during this new curfew period.

What This Means for Expats

Expats residing in or planning to travel through the provinces of Guayas, Esmeraldas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro should be aware of the nightly curfew from November 1 to November 10, between 00:00 and 05:00. During these hours, mobility will be restricted, meaning non-essential travel should be avoided. While the curfew is focused on disrupting criminal activity, it will impact general movement during the specified times. It is advisable to plan any late-night or early-morning travel accordingly and to stay informed about local regulations and any potential exemptions, though none are specified in the provided information. This measure is a national policy aimed at enhancing security in specific regions, and adherence is expected from all residents and visitors.

Sources: eluniverso.com.

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