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On Tuesday, the United States and Ecuador embarked on a collaborative mission targeting alleged narco-terrorists within Ecuador’s borders, as confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
SOUTHCOM declared its intention to take “decisive action” against groups identified as terrorist organizations. However, details regarding any potential casualties remain unspecified.
“On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces initiated operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador,” SOUTHCOM announced on the platform X. “These operations exemplify the strong commitment of our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to tackle the menace of narco-terrorism.”
SOUTHCOM further stated, “Together, we are making significant strides in confronting narco-terrorists who have perpetuated fear, violence, and corruption across the hemisphere.”
Collaborative efforts by U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have commenced, focusing on suspected narco-terror factions within Ecuador. (U.S. Southern Command)
SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s military for joining the U.S. in the operations.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” he said.
The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador said Tuesday the United States “successfully concluded a joint operation” with Europol and Ecuadorian authorities dismantling the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization, which it said is linked to the Los Lobos cartel.
The announcement follows a series of U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations Tuesday targeting suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, according to U.S. Southern Command. (U.S. Southern Command)
Last week, U.S. forces struck a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean tied to designated terrorist organizations, killing three suspected traffickers.
That strike came after SOUTHCOM said last month it had carried out three strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11.
U.S. Southern Command announced “decisive action” Tuesday against designated terrorist organizations in Ecuador as part of ongoing counter-narcotics efforts. (U.S. Southern Command)
Overall, the U.S. has conducted at least 43 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, killing 150 people in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
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