U.S., Ecuador Launch Joint Operations Against Narco-Terrorists

U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations Tuesday targeting suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, according to U.S. Southern Command. SOUTHCOM described the moves as decisive actions against designated terrorist organizations, though it did not specify whether any casualties occurred.

SOUTHCOM posted on X that the operations took place on March 3 and emphasized their significance. “The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism,” the command stated. It added, “Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.”

U.S. military officials praised Ecuador’s participation. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, commended Ecuador’s armed forces for their commitment and courage in the ongoing fight against narco-terrorists.

The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador announced that it successfully concluded a joint operation with Europol and Ecuadorian authorities to dismantle the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization, which it linked to the Los Lobos cartel.

This announcement follows a series of recent U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Last week, U.S. forces struck a suspected narco vessel in the Caribbean, killing three suspected traffickers. Overall, U.S. forces have conducted at least 43 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in 150 deaths in the region, according to SOUTHCOM. The latest operations underscore ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and associated violence across the hemisphere.

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