US gives military gear worth $1.2 mn to Ecuador

Quito (Ecuador), May 11 (IANS/EFE) The US government has delivered $1.22 million worth of military equipment to the Ecuadorian armed forces for operations against drug smuggling and guerrilla activity in the country.

The donation made earlier this month included accessories for tactical vehicles, boats and equipment like night-vision goggles, GPS systems and bullet-proof vests, among other items, the US Embassy in Quito said Monday, adding that it was a contribution from the US military assistance programme.

“The aim is to support the Ecuadorian military so that they can carry out more effective tactical operations in the jungle against drug traffickers and illegal groups like the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia),” the US Embassy said in a statement.

–IANS/EFE