Quito, Ecuador – The Ecuadorian government has proposed the re-establishment of a U.S. military presence in the country as part of its broader strategy to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, according to Reuters. The initiative, which includes discussions about hosting a U.S. military base, has been informally pitched to Republican allies of President Donald Trump, though no official response has been issued by the U.S. administration.
A Return to Manta?
The proposal comes more than 15 years after Ecuador closed the last U.S. military installation in the country. From 1999 to 2009, the U.S. operated an anti-narcotics surveillance mission out of Eloy Alfaro International Airport in Manta. The base, officially known as Forward Operating Location Manta, hosted U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft, including P-3 Orion surveillance planes and E-3 AWACS, which patrolled drug trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific. According to The Washington Post, these operations were responsible for more than 60% of U.S. drug interdictions in the region.
However, the lease for the base was not renewed by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who had long opposed U.S. military presence on Ecuadorian soil. As reported by El País, Correa stated at the time, “We can negotiate with the U.S. about a base in Manta, if they let us put a military base in Miami.” In 2008, Ecuador’s Constituent Assembly formally outlawed foreign military bases, and the last U.S. surveillance mission from Manta was flown on July 17, 2009, as reported by BBC News.
Following the closure of the Manta base, the U.S. relocated its operations to airfields in Colombia, El Salvador, and Curaçao, according to The New York Times.
Why is Ecuador Reconsidering a U.S. Military Presence?
Ecuador’s renewed interest in military cooperation with the U.S. comes amid a worsening security crisis. In recent years, drug cartels and organized crime networks have transformed Ecuador into a major transit hub for narcotics, leading to an alarming rise in homicide rates, gang violence, and prison riots, according to Al Jazeera.
President Daniel Noboa, who has taken an aggressive stance on crime since taking office in 2023, has proposed a constitutional amendment to allow foreign military bases in Ecuador, a move that has passed initial legal reviews but still requires approval from the National Assembly and a public referendum, as reported by El País. Noboa has also enlisted Erik Prince, the founder of the private military contractor Blackwater, to advise Ecuador’s security forces on combating organized crime.
What Would a U.S. Military Base in Ecuador Look Like?
According to Reuters, Ecuador’s request for U.S. military assistance includes the possibility of establishing a military base or expanded security cooperation. While Eloy Alfaro International Airport in Manta remains a potential location, it is unclear whether the U.S. would consider a full-scale return to Manta or a more limited military partnership.
Unlike in 1999, when the U.S. was granted access to the base rent-free, any new agreement would likely require broader negotiations involving security guarantees, economic incentives, and Ecuador’s legal restrictions on foreign military presence.
Potential Challenges and Political Implications
The possibility of a U.S. military base in Ecuador faces significant political and diplomatic hurdles:
- Legal Restrictions: Ecuador’s constitution currently prohibits foreign military bases, requiring a referendum to overturn the ban.
- Domestic Opposition: Some Ecuadorians, particularly those aligned with left-wing political movements, remain deeply skeptical of U.S. involvement in the region.
- Regional Tensions: The return of U.S. forces to Ecuador could strain relations with neighboring countries, particularly those with anti-U.S. foreign policies, such as Venezuela.
- Uncertain U.S. Interest: While Ecuador has reportedly pitched the idea to Trump allies, it is unclear whether the U.S. Department of Defense or State Department is seriously considering the request.
A Shift in Ecuador’s Security Strategy
Ecuador’s proposal to host U.S. military forces marks a major policy shift from the country’s past stance on sovereignty and foreign military presence. The Noboa administration has argued that collaborating with the U.S. is necessary to combat transnational crime and prevent Ecuador from becoming further destabilized by drug-related violence.
Additionally, Ecuador is pursuing a free trade agreement with the U.S., hoping to strengthen economic ties alongside security cooperation. While Colombia and Peru have had free trade agreements with the U.S. for more than a decade, Ecuador remains without a formal trade pact, despite being a key American ally in South America, as noted by The Dialogue.
Conclusion: Will the U.S. Return to Ecuador?
The proposal to reintroduce a U.S. military presence in Ecuador signals the Noboa government’s urgency in addressing security threats. However, the initiative faces significant legal, political, and diplomatic hurdles before it can become a reality. Whether or not the U.S. will accept Ecuador’s invitation remains an open question, but the discussion marks a dramatic shift in Ecuador’s defense policy and geopolitical alignment.
Disclaimer:
All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details presented are based on publicly available reports from sources including Reuters, El País, The Washington Post, and Al Jazeera. This is a developing story, and new information may emerge as investigations continue.
Sources:
- Reuters: “Ecuador pitches U.S. military base and free trade deal to Trump allies”
- El País: “Noboa reopens debate on military bases in Ecuador”
- BBC News: “Ecuador closes U.S. military base in Manta”
- The New York Times: “U.S. military shifts anti-drug operations after Ecuador base closure”
- The Washington Post: “Inside the U.S. military’s anti-drug mission in South America”
- Al Jazeera: “Ecuador’s struggle against cartels and rising crime”
- The Dialogue: “Will a U.S.-Ecuador trade deal lead to a broader pact?”
