Ecuador and the United States have launched joint military operations targeting organized crime groups within the South American nation, though specific details regarding the location and scope of these actions remain undisclosed by either government.
The U.S. Southern Command confirmed the commencement of operations late Tuesday, describing it as a "powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism."
A 30-second video shared on X depicted a helicopter flying over individuals on the ground, yet offered no further geographical context.
The accompanying post asserted, "We are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere," without elaborating on the operation's specifics.
Ecuador's foreign and defense ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the operations were not mentioned during a U.S. defense secretary briefing focused on Iran.
Earlier this week, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced his government was initiating joint actions with international partners as part of a new phase in its battle against organized crime. Ecuador is currently grappling with a persistent wave of violence linked to drug trafficking and illegal mining.
"Ecuador demands security, our people need to live in peace," Noboa stated, confirming the involvement of military and police forces in what he termed "very important" operations.
Ecuador maintains strong security collaborations with nations including the United States, Israel, and Italy.
In February, President Noboa directed the foreign ministry to pursue cooperation agreements with "allied nations" to facilitate the temporary deployment of "special forces" to bolster Ecuadorian police and armed forces. Authorities identify Ecuador as a crucial logistical hub in the global drug trade, where cocaine, particularly from its northern border with Colombia, is stockpiled, stored, and distributed to Central America, the United States, and Europe.
