Ecuador – FDLP: Murder by the US-Forces
We hereby share an unofficial translation of a declaration published by the Defense Front of the People’s Struggle – Ecuador (FDLP – EC), on September 27.
Growing Number of Murders by US Troops in Ecuador
The press has reported on the increase in military operations in Ecuador and the cooperation between the Armed Forces and the US Southern Command.
In recent days in Imbabura, the Army announced the destruction of a guerrilla camp it attributed to the Oliver Sinisterra Front. These military operations are terrorizing the population and causing forced displacement. Ultimately, there is no evidence of a guerrilla presence in the area in question.
At sea, the allegations are even more serious. International media have reported the disappearance of eight crew members from the vessel Fiorella and have gathered testimonies from fishermen on two other Ecuadorian vessels who said they had been attacked by drones. Several human rights organizations have called for the ones responsible for these attacks to be exposed and to have questioned the security cooperation between Ecuador and the United States (CIA) in light of the lack of answers regarding the missing persons.
The fight against drug trafficking cannot become a “license to kill” that allows for the shooting and destruction of artisanal fishing vessels merely on the suspicion that they are engaged in illicit activities. Much less can it justify the summary killing of fishermen. These US attacks, which have claimed the lives of day laborers in the fishing industry, are EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS. The State, and in it the police and the armed forces, the puppet government of Noboa, and all those who support them from the Assembly and other “democratic” bodies have to respond for all these crimes – and they will, sooner or later.
In recent days, Interior Minister Reimberg publicly announced the capture of an alleged network comprising, among others, seven doctors, whom he linked to schemes that allegedly benefited Dritan Rexhepi, an Albanian drug trafficker who left Ecuador in 2022. The operations included raids and the release of images showing several of the professionals in handcuffs and in police custody. The minister himself went so far as to present the case publicly using the phrase “corrupt doctors and the Albanian mafia.” Twenty-four hours later, the doctors were released because the prosecutor’s office found no evidence of wrongdoing on their part. Who will restore these professionals’ honor and prestige?
On September 23, the fascist Daniel Noboa reported that the Ecuadorian Armed Forces, in coordination with US Southern Command, killed a man known as “Charlie” during an operation, whom he presented as a logistical and financial operator for drug trafficking networks. The government attributed links to him with Los Choneros, the Oliver Sinisterra Front, and Mexican cartels. That is the official version. Along with “Charlie,” his two companions were also killed. And so, the death toll resulting from these “joint operations” continues to rise exponentially.
But let’s shift from the national situation to the international stage. We cannot overlook Trump’s remarks before the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026. When speaking of Maduro’s capture and an alleged “war” in Venezuela, he said: “The spoils belong to the victor.” He said this in reference to Venezuelan oil. Is that not exactly what he is doing in our country right now? Noboa came up with the idea of an “internal war,” brought in foreign troops to invade the country with arms, murder our people, and anyone else they deem necessary to, in order to set the stage for “seizing the spoils.” Gold, silver, and hydrocarbons are at stake, and the US has made it clear that it is willing to do whatever it takes to take as much as it can.
People of Ecuador: you must not forget. They began by murdering the four children in Las Malvinas. Then they went after artisanal miners, residents of poor neighborhoods, and artisanal fishermen; those who defend the land and oppose extractivism; kidney patients, doctors, popular leaders, peasants, and Indigenous people. They have also persecuted and attacked political opponents and rivals.
To paraphrase Martin Niemöller: as long as we remain passive and silent while others are persecuted, murdered, or disappeared, the day will come when they come for us, and by then, perhaps there will be no one left to defend us.
Murderous gringos out of the country!
Struggle in the streets to fight Noboa’s pro-imperialist fascist regime!
Strengthen the anti-imperialist organization! Intensify the struggle against imperialism!
Organize, combat, and resist!
