Update: US Military Gains Access to South America Air Base
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US Deploys Troops to Ecuador
Is this an invasion against citizens' will, or crucial action against transnational narco-terrorism?
Above: A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster takes off from José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Puerto Rico on Dec. 17, 2025. Image credit: Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Daniel Noboa has betrayed his own country, serving as a puppet to Donald Trump and allowing U.S. troops to invade Ecuador despite a majority of citizens rejecting foreign military bases on its soil in a referendum just a month ago. Vague claims about fighting drug traffickers and so-called narco-terrorists are a mere attempt to disguise the fact that his government is blatantly disregarding the people's will.
Pro-establishment narrative
Ecuador's partnership with U.S. Air Force is crucial action against narco-terrorism that has turned one of Latin America's safest countries into a violence-plagued nation with thousands of homicides this year. This temporary joint operation respects Ecuadorian law while providing essential intelligence and anti-drug capabilities to dismantle trafficking routes. Stopping narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere protects both local communities and Americans.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Go Deeper
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.19.1
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.19.1