Ecuadorians Firmly Reject U.S. Troop Return to the Country
The preliminary results of Sunday’s referendum in Ecuador reveal that the majority of voters opposed the return of foreign military bases. With over 90 percent of votes counted,nearly two-thirds voted against the proposal,marking a significant setback for President Daniel Noboa,according to webangah News Agency.
Noboa, who viewed the presence of foreign forces as a means to combat drug trafficking gangs, responded to the results by writing: “We respect the people’s decision and will continue efforts to ensure national security with available resources.”
The public’s rejection ended any possibility of U.S. forces returning to the Manta base on ecuador’s Pacific coast-a site that served as a hub for American anti-drug operations until 2008.
The referendum also saw voters reject a proposal to establish a constituent assembly aimed at rewriting the constitution, with more than 61 percent voting against it.Two additional measures-reducing party funding and lowering the number of congressional representatives-also failed to pass.
This vote took place amid an unprecedented surge in violence linked to drug trafficking organizations across Ecuador. Many voters cited concerns over national sovereignty and recalled negative experiences from past U.S. military involvement.
However, Ecuadorian officials emphasized that security cooperation with Washington would continue. Together, Noboa announced that “pipo,” leader of the hazardous gang Los Lobos, had been arrested in a joint operation with Spanish police.
