Interior Minister Alleges Assassination Plot Against President Daniel Noboa Involving ELN

Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg stated on November 13, 2026, that authorities are investigating a plan to assassinate President Daniel Noboa. During an interview with Ecuadorian media, Minister John Reimberg alleged that Celso Ovidio Zambrano Casanova, also known as alias "Loco Ovidio," is being protected by the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia. The Minister further claimed that the Revolución Ciudadana party, led by former president Rafael Correa, is allegedly allied with the ELN to carry out the attack.

Details of the Allegations

Minister John Reimberg stated that the investigation is the result of several months of work involving operations against organized crime and investigations into financiers of the Revolución Ciudadana party. According to Ecuadorian media, the Minister indicated that the information regarding the threat came from sources close to Rafael Correa. Minister John Reimberg also noted that Ecuadorian and Colombian authorities have identified the specific sector in Colombia where Celso Ovidio Zambrano Casanova is allegedly hiding.

Celso Ovidio Zambrano Casanova is described as an independent criminal despite being linked to the Los Lobos organization. The criminal escaped from El Rodeo prison in 2016. In April 2026, an Ecuadorian Army operation supported by the US Southern Command seized drugs linked to Celso Ovidio Zambrano Casanova.

Regional Security and Cooperation

The allegations come at a time of shifting diplomatic relations between the two nations. While Ecuador and Colombia have experienced recent border closures and a tariff war due to differences between President Daniel Noboa and former Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding narcotics control, the relationship has improved following the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7, 2026.

Ecuador and Colombia are currently planning a binational meeting to strengthen security cooperation and capture criminal targets along the 586-kilometer border. This cooperation follows recent international law enforcement actions, such as the recent detention in Panama of Jaime Estrada Bonilla and Jaime Estrada Medranda, who have been accused of crimes by the US Department of Justice.

Context of the Allegations

While Minister John Reimberg has presented these claims, no public evidence or official statements from Rafael Correa or the Revolución Ciudadana party were provided to support the allegations at the time of reporting.

Glossary

• Revolución Ciudadana — The Revolución Ciudadana is a political party led by former president Rafael Correa. It is an organization that uses a graphic line featuring the color turquoise and the image of Correa.
• National Liberation Army (ELN) — The National Liberation Army (ELN) is an organization that operates in Ecuadorian territory. It is associated with various gangs of diverse origin.
• Los Lobos — Los Lobos is a known group or organization. It is also referred to as the Wolves Gang.
• El Rodeo prison — El Rodeo prison is a correctional facility. It is located in Portoviejo.