Ecuador’s Criminal Gangs Ramp Up Violence as April Runoff Elections Approach

President Daniel Noboa warned criminal organizations have increased attacks across Ecuador as the April 13 presidential runoff elections draw near.

The incumbent made this statement during a ceremony in Guayaquil where he delivered 124 patrol vehicles to the National Police. “Terrorist groups intensify their attacks to destabilize us as elections approach,” Noboa declared.

He added that criminals feel cornered by his administration’s security measures. The president affirmed his government responds with greater force against violent attacks.

Ecuador has transformed from a relatively peaceful nation into Latin America’s most violent country in recent years. Homicides skyrocketed 429 percent from 2019 to 2024, with 3,036 killings recorded in the first half of 2024 alone.

The country registered 1,300 homicides in just the first 50 days of 2025. Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” against 22 criminal organizations in January 2024.

This designation allowed him to deploy military forces throughout the country. His administration has invested $62.3 million in police equipment including bulletproof vests, weapons, and vehicles.

The security crisis dominates Ecuador’s electoral landscape as Noboa faces leftist challenger Luisa González. While Noboa champions a militarized security approach, González advocates for social programs targeting impoverished areas where gangs recruit members.

Security Gains and Ongoing Challenges in Ecuador

Noboa’s administration reports some success with an 18 percent decline in murders during 2024. Drug seizures also increased by 30 percent compared to 2023. However, extortion and kidnapping incidents have risen significantly.

Ecuador’s strategic location between cocaine-producing Colombia and Peru has fueled fierce competition among criminal groups. Mexican, Colombian, and Albanian cartels now operate throughout the country.

Recent violent events underline ongoing security challenges. These include two vehicle explosions outside Ecuador‘s largest prison that killed one prison agent last week. Additionally, 22 people died in armed attacks in Guayaquil’s Nueva Prosperina sector on March 6.

Human rights organizations have expressed concern about Ecuador’s militarized approach. The Constitutional Court has curtailed some emergency decrees, citing lack of justification and unconstitutional restrictions on rights.

Noboa remains defiant, stating, “Ecuador has a firm government that doesn’t negotiate with criminals, doesn’t hide, and doesn’t bend.”

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