Ecuador prepares for attack on criminal economy' with Trump backing

"Last year, we dedicated ourselves to catching all the heads of the [criminal] structures, which led them to fight among themselves for the same criminal economy. This year, we are going to attack the criminal economy. Illegal mining and drug trafficking operations would be among the targets of the latest sweep."

"We don't want collateral damage from the attacks we're going to carry out. We need the roads clear because there will be troop movements. We need to have the roads clear to be able to carry out the operations."

"The curfew is expected to stretch for more than two weeks, from March 15 through March 30, requiring that residents stay indoors during designated hours. Should travel be necessary during curfew hours, officials warned that residents must be prepared to show documentation to justify their trip."

Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg announced a sweeping military offensive against criminal networks beginning this weekend, supported by the United States. The operation represents a strategic shift from previous efforts targeting cartel leadership to attacking the criminal economy itself, including illegal mining and drug trafficking. A curfew spanning four provinces—El Oro, Guayas, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and Los Rios—will run from March 15-30, requiring residents to remain indoors during designated hours and provide documentation for necessary travel. Reimberg emphasized the curfew prevents civilian casualties during troop movements and road operations. The offensive is expected to be significantly larger in scale and force than previous crime-fighting initiatives.

Read at www.aljazeera.com