Ecuador's Constitutional Court approves US military presence in the country.

247 - Ecuador's Constitutional Court announced today the conclusion of military agreements with the United States that allow for the "temporary presence" of U.S. officers on Ecuadorian territory. informs The Opera Mundi portal. These resolutions, signed during the administration of former President Guillermo Lasso, do not require approval from the National Assembly and come into effect under the government of Daniel Noboa. amid a security crisis in the country.

The agreements, titled "Agreement Regarding Operations Against Illicit Transnational Maritime Activities" and "Status of Forces Agreement," authorize the temporary presence of U.S. military and civilian personnel in Ecuador to conduct activities such as ship visits, training, exercises, and humanitarian operations.

The second resolution seeks to strengthen the joint intervention of the two States to prevent, identify, combat, impede and intercept illicit activities, with a special focus on maritime activities such as drug trafficking and the illegal trafficking of migrants. >>> READ ALSO: Ecuador signs agreement with the US to increase cooperation in security and defense amid wave of violence in the country.

The Constitutional Court stated that the opinions were approved in plenary session on January 11, with six votes in favor. It further emphasized that the agreements do not constitute a military alliance, but rather cooperation to combat illicit activities, specifically those related to trafficking.

However, critics question the decision, expressing concerns about Ecuador's national sovereignty and the relinquishment of the possibility of prosecuting offenses committed by US military or civilian personnel on its territory. Furthermore, the agreement authorizes the US government to exercise criminal jurisdiction over offenders while they are on Ecuadorian territory.

The agreement also grants permission for aircraft, ships, and vehicles operated by the United States Department of Defense to circulate freely in Ecuadorian territory, a clause that has generated controversy and raised questions about the country's autonomy.