US Military Initiates Operations in Ecuador Targeting Terrorist Groups

The U.S. military has officially initiated operations in Ecuador aimed at combating designated terrorist groups, as announced by the Pentagon.

A statement from U.S. Southern Command indicated that these actions symbolize a strong commitment among partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to address the issue of narco-terrorism. The command emphasized the coordinated efforts between the U.S. and Ecuador to tackle violent and corrupt organizations affecting the region.

This announcement is seen as an extension of the previous Operation Southern Spear launched during the Trump administration, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 151 individuals linked to alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean.

Details regarding the new operations remain unspecified, including the groups targeted. A brief clip shared on social media by US SOUTHCOM depicted personnel boarding a helicopter, suggesting preparations for the operations.

The U.S. State Department had previously designated Los Lobos and Los Choneros, two prominent criminal factions in Ecuador, as foreign terrorist organizations last September.

In his remarks, SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan commended Ecuador’s military for their steadfast courage and commitment in the battle against drug trafficking.

In parallel, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense announced the initiation of a “new phase” in their campaign against narco-terrorism and illegal mining via their social media platforms.

They further asserted that the Ecuadorian Armed Forces will persistently fight organized crime in collaboration with their strategic allies, ensuring the security and future of the country's citizens.

These developments follow a meeting between Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Gen. Donovan, along with defense officials from both nations, held at the Government Palace in Quito. During this meeting, they discussed collaborative efforts to combat transnational organized crime and enhance regional security.

The Ecuadorian presidency confirmed that discussions focused on improving control measures, information exchange, and operational coordination at critical points such as airports and seaports.