QUITO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a constitutional change that would permit the establishment of foreign military bases in the country, a move proposed by President Daniel Noboa to bolster international cooperation against transnational crime.

The bill was passed in a final vote with 82 votes in favor, backed by Noboa's ruling National Democratic Action bloc and allied parties.

To take effect, the constitutional change must be ratified by the public in a national referendum, as required for partial constitutional amendments.

"This reform paves the way for foreign military bases and enhances national security through strategic cooperation, intelligence sharing and technology transfer," the National Assembly said in a statement.

Noboa submitted the proposal in October 2024, aiming to revise Article 5 of the Constitution, which currently prohibits foreign military bases or facilities with military functions on Ecuadorian soil.

The move comes amid a deepening security crisis. In January 2024, the government declared an "internal armed conflict" against criminal gangs it has labeled as terrorist groups.

During the debates, ruling-party lawmaker Nataly Morillo said the reform is vital for tackling organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal mining, arms smuggling and human trafficking, stressing that Ecuador lacks the capacity to fight these threats alone.

Ecuador has seen a surge in violence in early 2025, with over 3,000 homicides reported in the first four months of the year, according to official figures. ■