Ecuador's parliament has approved a constitutional reform allowing foreign military bases on its territory, marking a dramatic policy reversal as President Daniel Noboa seeks international assistance in combating violent drug cartels. The National Assembly on June 3 voted 82-151 to overturn a 2009 constitutional prohibition implemented during Rafael Correa's presidency, El Universo reported.

"This is a decisive contribution to security... and for the return of peace to Ecuadoran territory," the Parliament stated as per AFP, highlighting the reform's role in "strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime."

Noboa, who secured a second term in April promising an "iron fist" approach to gang violence, has actively courted foreign military support. He has requested backing from US President Donald Trump, announced partnerships with Blackwater founder Erik Prince, and indicated Israel's interest in providing intelligence assistance.

The move comes as Ecuador grapples with unprecedented violence, averaging one killing per hour at the start of the year. The country, once among Latin America's most peaceful, now has the region's highest murder rate as cartels battle for control of cocaine trafficking routes through its ports. In response to the crisis in January 2024, the government declared an "internal armed conflict" against criminal gangs it has labelled as terrorist groups.

The latest constitutional amendment represents a pivotal shift in Ecuador's security approach, potentially paving the way for renewed US military presence reminiscent of the former Manta base. However, the reform faces significant hurdles: it must pass Constitutional Court review and win popular approval in a national referendum. Meanwhile, Noboa confronts intensifying pressure to produce concrete security gains as cartel violence persists. Despite these challenges, his decisive electoral victory in April provides him with political capital and time to demonstrate results.