Authorities in Ecuador have detained a Syrian national identified by the United States as a suspected member of Hezbollah, officials confirmed.
The arrest was carried out during a joint operation involving immigration authorities and national police intelligence units, according to Interior Minister John Reimberg.
Deportation Proceedings Underway
The suspect, identified only by the initials M.K., allegedly entered the country without proper documentation. Officials said deportation proceedings have already begun.
Authorities noted that the individual was previously known to law enforcement in Ecuador. He was arrested in 2005 on accusations of leading a drug trafficking network believed to have funneled millions of dollars to Hezbollah before being granted provisional release in 2012.
Crackdown on Organized Crime and Terror Links
The arrest comes as President Daniel Noboa intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, with support from the United States under President Donald Trump.
Officials say the government is working to prevent international militant groups from gaining a foothold in the country. Noboa has previously designated Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations, alleging ties between such groups and local criminal networks.
Growing U.S.-Ecuador Security Cooperation
Ecuador has recently strengthened cooperation with U.S. agencies in tackling drug cartels and transnational crime. Joint operations, intelligence sharing, and expanded law enforcement efforts are part of a broader multinational initiative targeting organized crime across the region.
Despite ongoing crackdowns, Ecuador continues to face challenges related to drug trafficking, including rising violence, extortion, and disappearances.
What’s Next
Authorities have not released further details about the suspect’s current status beyond the pending deportation. Investigations into potential links between international groups and domestic criminal networks remain ongoing.