Ecuador Cracks Down on 'Criminal Economy' With Trump's Backing

The Ecuadorian government, backed by the Trump administration, has launched a major crackdown on the country's criminal economy. Interior Minister John Reimberg issued a stern warning to residents in four provinces, ordering them to obey a newly imposed curfew in order to avoid any potential collateral damage.

The move is part of a broader effort by the Ecuadorian authorities to dismantle the deep-rooted organized crime networks that have long plagued the country. These criminal enterprises have infiltrated various sectors of the economy, from drug trafficking to money laundering and extortion.

President Lenín Moreno has made the fight against corruption and organized crime a top priority since taking office in 2017. He has vowed to tackle the illicit activities that have undermined the country's economic and social fabric, often with the backing of the Trump administration in the United States.

The latest crackdown is expected to target specific regions where the criminal networks are believed to be most entrenched. Security forces will be deployed to these areas, with the goal of disrupting the operations of the criminal organizations and seizing their assets.

Reimberg stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging residents in the affected provinces to follow the curfew orders and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He warned that the government is prepared to use necessary force to ensure the success of the operation.

The move has been met with a mix of support and skepticism from the Ecuadorian public. Some see it as a long-overdue effort to tackle the country's deep-rooted corruption and criminality, while others are concerned about the potential for human rights abuses and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Regardless of the public's reaction, the Ecuadorian government is determined to take on the criminal economy and disrupt the activities of the organized crime syndicates that have plagued the country for decades. With the backing of the Trump administration, they hope to make significant progress in this critical battle against illicit activities.