Noboa Announces Curfew and Joint US Anti-Drug Operations: What Expats Need to Know

President Daniel Noboa just escalated Ecuador's fight against organized crime — and this time, he's got backup.

The Curfew

Starting March 15 through March 30, a nighttime curfew will be enforced in four provinces:

• Guayas (Guayaquil)
• Los Ríos
• Santo Domingo
• El Oro

These are the provinces Noboa called the most "criminogenic" — essentially the drug trafficking corridors along the western coast. If you're planning travel to Guayaquil, Machala, or anywhere along the coast during the second half of March, expect military checkpoints and restricted nighttime movement.

Cuenca and the highlands are not under curfew. But if you're flying out of Guayaquil's airport for an international flight, factor in the restrictions.

US Military Involvement

Noboa met with General Francis Donovan, commander of the US Southern Command, and Rear Admiral Mark Schafer, head of Special Operations for the region. The result: joint anti-drug operations launching this month.

"In March, we will conduct joint operations with our regional allies, including the United States," Noboa wrote on X.

This marks a significant shift. Ecuador has historically kept the US military at arm's length, but 2025's record homicide numbers have changed the calculus.

Why This Matters for Expats

Even if you never leave the highlands, these operations affect the country's overall security trajectory. More military presence on the coast could:

• Improve safety along travel corridors to the beach and Guayaquil airport
• Cause temporary disruptions — expect more checkpoints on the Pan-American Highway
• Signal stability to international investors and embassies watching Ecuador's risk profile

Carry your cedula or passport at all times if traveling outside Cuenca this month. And keep an eye on flight schedules — Guayaquil airport has been affected by security operations before.

The Bigger Picture

Noboa called this a "new phase" in Ecuador's internal armed conflict, acknowledging that previous strategies haven't been enough. With US Special Operations now involved, the approach is shifting from reactive policing to coordinated military operations targeting drug infrastructure.

For expats, the bottom line: the highlands remain safe and unaffected by the curfew. But if your travel plans take you to the coast in mid-to-late March, plan ahead.

Sources: CuencaHighLife, CP24, Prensa Latina