Drug Trafficking: Ecuador Proposes Hosting a Foreign Military Base

As the United States steps up its offensive against drug trafficking along the Pacific coast, Ecuador has offered to lend a helping hand.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that his country is considering the installation of a foreign military base in the Galápagos Islands.

Noboa, one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s key allies in South America, explained: “We must be clear about the reason for choosing Baltra Island,” referring to the location of the airport that provides access to the UNESCO World Heritage archipelago, known for its unique wildlife and ecosystems.

He further elaborated: “First, illegal fishing; second, drug trafficking; and third, control over the fuel trade originating from that area.”