The United States confirmed on Wednesday the temporary deployment of Air Force personnel to the Ecuadorian coastal city of Manta as part of a joint operation with Ecuador's military aimed at combating what Washington describes as narco-terrorism in the region.
The move marks the return of U.S. military personnel to a base that served as a key anti-drug hub until 2009 and comes just weeks after Ecuadorian voters rejected a proposal to allow foreign military bases on the country's soil. In a national referendum held in mid-November, more than 60% voted against lifting the 2008 constitutional ban, dealing a setback to President Daniel Noboa's security agenda.
