US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Ecuador on Wednesday to tour its military facilities, days before the country votes in a referendum on allowing foreign bases on its territory.

The key vote takes place against the backdrop of a US military operation in the region, which has seen deadly strikes on alleged drug-ferrying boats killing at least 67 and the deployment of naval vessels.

The strategy enjoys the support of President Daniel Noboa, as a growing drug gang presence has turned once-peaceful Ecuador into the country with South America's highest homicide rate.

Noem arrived Wednesday afternoon at the Eloy Alfaro Air Base, located in the city of Manta, as part of her tour of "strategic facilities" that could serve as "potential bases" for the US Department of Homelan

See Full Page