HRW Reports Civilian Abuses in US-Ecuador Anti-Crime Operations

A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has revealed significant civilian abuses during joint US-Ecuador military campaigns aimed at organized crime in Ecuador. The operations, which were characterized by the deployment of US-supplied equipment and intelligence, have reportedly led to arbitrary detentions, torture, and destruction of civilian properties.

The report underscores the urgent need for oversight, urging the US Congress to scrutinize the military support provided under former President Trump's administration. HRW's Americas director described the operations as perilously opaque and called for immediate accountability to prevent further harm to Ecuadorian citizens.

During the operations in early March, Ecuadorian forces, reportedly assisted by US assets, detained and tortured four civilians without evidence, according to HRW. Despite allegations of targeting armed group camps along the Ecuador-Colombia border, HRW's findings revealed no substantial proof supporting the claims, raising questions over the legitimacy and objectives of these military actions.