Ecuador

Ecuador is a South American nation currently grappling with a surge in violence attributed to criminal drug gangs. The country is newsworthy due to its government's recent decision to escalate its fight against these gangs. In response to escalating violence, the Ecuadorian government has deployed 75,000 police officers and soldiers to four of the country's most violence-wracked provinces and declared a night-time curfew in those areas. This action is described as a "new phase" in their "war" on criminal gangs. The offensive against the 'criminal economy' has the backing of the US, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visiting Ecuador's President. Interior Minister John Reimberg has warned residents in the affected provinces to obey the curfew to avoid ‘collateral damage’. This situation highlights the growing challenges faced by Ecuador in maintaining security and stability amidst the influence of powerful criminal organizations.