The United States and Ecuador have launched a joint military operation aimed at combating international drug trafficking and criminal organizations classified as terrorist groups.
The action was confirmed by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which highlighted cooperation between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in confronting what is referred to as narco-terrorism.
According to U.S. military officials, the operation seeks to target groups responsible for spreading violence, corruption, and fear in different regions of the continent. Images released by the armed forces show military helicopters participating in the actions, indicating the use of aerial assets to support operations on the ground.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the country’s participation in the offensive but stated that details of the mission remain confidential. The initiative comes after President Daniel Noboa announced new joint actions with the United States and other allies to combat drug trafficking as well as illegal activities such as clandestine mining.
In recent months, Ecuador has intensified operations against organized crime. In a previous offensive, the armed forces used BM-21 Grad 122 mm multiple rocket launchers against the Los Lobos cartel, considered one of the most dangerous in the country and responsible for part of the drug trafficking from South America to the United States and Europe.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Southcom | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026
