Buenos Aires [Argentina], November 17: Ecuador was holding a referendum on Sunday on whether to allow foreign military bases in the country as part of government efforts to combat rising drug crime.
President Daniel Noboa's government has proposed establishing foreign military bases in the South American country. Talks have already been held with the United States and Brazil.
Powerful drug gangs are expanding their activities in the once relatively safe country, and large quantities of cocaine are being smuggled via Pacific ports.
The US military is currently cracking down on suspected drug crime in the region. In recent weeks, it has sunk around 20 boats in the Caribbean and Pacific that were allegedly smuggling drugs, killing around 80 people in the process. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
