Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed a decree authorizing the deployment of foreign military personnel in the country to assist in operations against organized crime. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
June 19 (UPI) -- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed a decree authorizing the deployment of foreign military personnel in the country to assist in operations against organized crime, granting them immunity under existing international agreements and reaffirming the existence of an "internal armed conflict" against criminal groups.
The measure was announced by Noboa in a video released by the Presidency, in which he said troops from allied countries would be able to work alongside Ecuadorian security forces in the provinces most affected by violence.
"Today I signed a decree that strengthens the fight against narco-terrorism in Ecuador. As a result of this decision, military personnel from allied countries will be able to deploy to the provinces hardest hit by violence and work alongside our security bloc," the president said.
"This measure is the result of months of work, especially during our most recent meeting at the Pentagon. From today on, narco-terrorists will face a stronger, better-prepared Ecuador that is no longer fighting alone," he added.
