Quito in the news as Ecuador cracks down on crime? President Noboa touts US-backed security push in his State of the Union. Capital, high-altitude hub (pop. ~2.8M).
President Noboa has cited the extradition of crime bosses and large drug seizures as proof of a decisive, ongoing effort against organized crime. He has used a state of exception to broaden military and police powers as violence surges, while noting declines in poverty and presenting economic progress to lawmakers.