Ecuador's Noboa visits Pentagon, discusses security with Secretary of War

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa visited the Pentagon in Washington, meeting with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to discuss ongoing regional security cooperation. The meeting highlighted the strong partnership between the two nations in addressing shared security challenges.

Hegseth expressed gratitude for Ecuador's role, calling President Noboa an "exemplary partner" in the fight against criminal networks that threaten both countries and the hemisphere. Noboa, who was in the U.S. to attend Ecuador's World Cup opening match, reciprocated the thanks, emphasizing the importance of their joint efforts.

The leaders reviewed recent collaborative work and discussed initiatives like the "Escudo de las Américas" program and the "American Coalition Against Cartels (A Triple C)," which aim to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Hegseth also wished Ecuador's national team success in the World Cup.

Despite the strengthened security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and training, human rights organizations have raised concerns. Critics point to Ecuador's militarization of security, mass detentions, and use of states of exception, warning of potential impacts on due process and basic rights. They call for greater oversight to prevent abuses amid the intensified fight against crime.