US and European armies should join our war on gangs, Ecuador president tells BBC

Key Concepts:

• Narco-terrorist groups in Ecuador
• Transnational crime and security policy
• Partnership with Eric Prince
• International military assistance
• Allegations of military misconduct

1. Classification of Criminal Gangs:

• The speaker argues that criminal gangs in Ecuador have evolved beyond typical gangs.
• They are described as having 14,000-15,000 armed members.
• Activities include extortion, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organ trafficking, and illegal mining.
• The speaker labels them as "international narco-terrorist groups" operating in multiple countries.
• The speaker would like the US to consider Los Lobos as a terrorist group.

2. Security Situation and Iron Fist Approach:

• Ecuador experienced a record number of homicides in January (750).
• The speaker acknowledges cycles of violence.
• The speaker believes that the main issue is transnational crime without a transnational security policy.

3. Partnership with Eric Prince:

• The speaker confirms a partnership with military contractor Eric Prince.
• Prince's role is advisory, leveraging his experience in unconventional warfare.
• The speaker clarifies that the partnership doesn't necessarily involve mercenaries.

4. International Military Assistance:

• The speaker expresses a desire for international military assistance, including US, European, and Brazilian special forces.
• The rationale is that Ecuador needs more soldiers to combat the war on crime.
• The speaker emphasizes the transnational nature of the problem and the need for international cooperation.
• The port of Guayaquil is highlighted as a major exit point for cocaine (70% of the world's cocaine).

5. Allegations of Military Misconduct:

• The speaker addresses a case where four boys were arrested by soldiers, later found mutilated and burned.
• The speaker states that all military personnel involved in the patrol are in jail and that an investigation and trial are ongoing.
• The speaker defends the proportionality of the armed forces' actions.
• The speaker notes that the military in Ecuador has around 35,000 members, while narco-terrorist groups have around 40,000.

6. Notable Quotes:

• "I don't consider they are criminal gangs...they're groups that have 14 to 15,000 armed men and women."
• "These are international narco-terrorist groups that operate in several countries."
• "It's a transnational issue. It's transnational crime and we need international help to fight it here."

7. Logical Connections:

• The classification of gangs as narco-terrorist groups justifies the need for a more aggressive approach.
• The partnership with Eric Prince is presented as a strategic move to gain expertise in unconventional warfare.
• The call for international military assistance stems from the recognition that the problem is transnational and beyond Ecuador's sole capacity to handle.
• The discussion of military misconduct is addressed in the context of ensuring proportionality and accountability in the fight against crime.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker frames the situation in Ecuador as a battle against well-funded and heavily armed narco-terrorist groups, requiring a multi-faceted approach that includes international collaboration, specialized expertise, and a strong military response. While acknowledging concerns about potential military misconduct, the speaker defends the overall proportionality of the armed forces' actions and emphasizes the need for international support to combat what is characterized as a transnational threat.