This delivery of equipment and infrastructure, through U.S. Southern Command, will support maritime interdiction operations along the northern border and associated Amazonian waterways.
Orellana, August 3, 2023. Representatives of the United States Embassy in Ecuador delivered $3.1 million of support to units of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces during their visit yesterday to El Coca, in the province of Orellana. Contributions included $1.1 million of military equipment, $1.3 million for the construction of the River Maintenance Center for the 19th “Napo” Jungle Brigade, and $747,000 of communications equipment for the San Lorenzo Marine Infantry Brigade.
Colonel Jaime Gómez, Defense Attaché, and Robert Kemp, Embassy Political Advisor, represented the Embassy at the handover ceremony in El Coca. Representing the Ecuadorian Armed Forces were General Gustavo Acosta, Commander of the Army; General Alexander Levoyer, Commander of the IV Division of the Army; Rear Admiral Edgar Andrade, Commander of the Marine Corps; and Colonel Jorge Galarza Galarza, Commander of 19th Brigade.
“This delivery is another example of the close security collaboration between Ecuador and the United States. The support between both countries is vital to combat situations that affect the security of the Ecuadorian people. The United States continues to invest in Ecuador’s priority areas,” said Colonel Gómez.
These deliveries are part of the United States Southern Command’s commitment to Ecuador in support of maritime interdiction operations along the northern border and associated Amazonian waterways. And as support for strengthening capacities to combat illegal operations.
Cooperation between the United States and Ecuador continues in a variety of areas. The joint work to reinforce the security of Ecuadorians continues to expand through the fight against drug trafficking, organized crime, human trafficking, illegal mining, and other threats.
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