Ecuador deploys thousands of soldiers to fight drug violence

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has vowed an iron-fist approach as the South American nation hits record levels of murders and other violent crimes. Hundreds of special forces soldiers were deployed Friday to reinforce security operations in the provinces of Guayas, Manabi and Los Rios, the Air Force General said.

The Defense Minister has also instructed the military high command to operate indefinitely out of the port city of Guayaquil, where troops are inspecting seaports strategic for drug trafficking.