U.S. and Ecuador Launch Joint Operations Against 'Designated Terrorist Organizations'

Overview

• U.S. Southern Command said joint operations began on March 3 in Ecuador targeting groups it labeled narcoterrorists and released a 30‑second video showing helicopter activity.
• Ecuador’s Defense Ministry confirmed collaboration, described the campaign as offensive, and said locations, troop numbers, timelines, and targets would remain confidential.
• An unnamed U.S. official told reporters that U.S. Special Forces are advising Ecuadorian commandos and providing planning, intelligence, and logistical support rather than conducting the operations themselves.
• President Daniel Noboa called the effort a new phase against narcoterrorism and illegal mining and said Ecuador would carry out operations with the United States and other allies throughout March.
• The move marks an expansion of the Trump administration’s regional security posture following earlier unilateral strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking vessels and recent high‑level coordination with Ecuadorian leaders.