2024-04-17 16:42:33
Latacunga, Cotopaxi. The Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) strengthens its operational and tactical capacity with the incorporation of the C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft, donated by the United States of America (USA), is an example of the joint commitment to strengthen tactical and military missions in favor of national security.
The President of the Republic, Daniel Noboa Azin, led the delivery this Monday, March 25, in the military ceremony held at the Cotopaxi Mariscal Sucre Air Base.
“Equipping and strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces is a priority for us, especially in a historical moment in which we live,” said the President, while highlighting the importance of international support in the fight against the underworld.
Within the framework of joint cooperation, the President reported that this aircraft will contribute to confronting organized crime and deploying humanitarian aid missions in all corners of the country. “In the change of course towards a New Ecuador, our brave Armed Forces play a fundamental role and today I am here to demonstrate the support and gratitude of the Government and a country that trusts in you.”
In addition, Noboa Azin emphasized the importance of the support of allied countries such as the United States to dismantle transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and crimes committed at sea.
The US ambassador, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, explained that this means of transportation has the versatility to transport troops, adapt stretchers for aeromedical evacuations and carry large amounts of cargo. For this reason, he explained, it will help to respond quickly in times of crisis such as natural disasters or national or transnational threats.
“The arrival of Hercules [nombre de la aeronave] Latacunga is a tangible testimony of the enduring solidarity between the US and Ecuador (…). This aircraft, delivered free of charge to Ecuador, symbolizes our commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces. and to support the security of each citizen,” Fitzpatrick remarked.
Likewise, General Celiano Cevallos, general commander of the FAE, assured “with the support of the National Government and strategic partners we will continue to recover and strengthen the operational capabilities of the FF. AA and FAE to combat narcoterrorism. “Winning this war is crucial to recovering the peace that our children, families and our society deserve.”
Within the framework of this act, the President of the Republic condemned the criminal acts that have occurred in the country in recent days, which have claimed the lives of several human beings, among them, the second corporal of the Army, Daniel Valencia, who died in an ambush in Sucumbíos; and National Police Corporal Stalin Quimbiurco, murdered by kidnappers in Babahoyo. “Every day the members of the FF. AA. and the National Police risk their lives in each mission. Know that you are not alone, the National Government is with you and will play for you, just as you do for Ecuadorians,” he assured.
At the same time, it was decisive in rejecting the crime perpetrated against the Mayor of San Vicente and her Director of Communication. In this regard, he stated that these acts “also remind us that this fight has not ended, it has only begun.”
For this reason, he urged the population to join the frontal fight against narcoterrorism through their vote in the popular consultation on April 21.
With this, he said, “we will be able to deepen the changes that Ecuador requires, to leave behind that old country of chaos and violence. But, above all, protect the military and police who work for peace for all.”