U.S., Ecuador launch joint military operation against drug trafficking

March 4 (UPI) -- The United States and the Ecuadorian military launched joint operations against organizations linked to drug trafficking in Ecuadorian territory, the United States Southern Command said.

The command said the mission began Tuesday and is aimed at "designated terrorist organizations" operating in the South American country. U.S. officials have not specified what military personnel were involved or their exact role.

"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 said in a message posted on social media.

This is the first time the United States has participated in a ground operation in Ecuador. Previously, U.S. involvement had been limited to airstrikes against smuggling vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Related

• Ecuador's Noboa imposes curfew in four provinces amid crime fight
• Ecuador deepens trade dispute with Colombia by raising tariffs
• Global cocaine market expands, U.N. report says

The head of the Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan, praised Ecuadorian forces for their role.

"We congratulate the men and women of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight and for demonstrating courage and determination in the ongoing actions against narco-terrorists in their country," he said.

Ecuador's Ministry of Defense confirmed the existence of the joint action, but said details are classified.

Also on Tuesday, the Ecuadorian government also announced a nighttime curfew in four provinces affected by organized crime violence.

"This month we will conduct joint operations with our regional allies, including the United States. The security of Ecuadorians is our priority," Noboa wrote on the social media platform X.

In recent years, Ecuador has become a key hub for regional drug trafficking. Its location between Colombia and Peru -- the world's largest cocaine producers -- has turned it into a strategic platform for storing and shipping drugs to the United States and Europe.

Criminal organizations mainly use the country's ports to export cocaine hidden in commercial containers.

Over the past decade, Mexican cartels such as the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel have strengthened their presence through alliances with local gangs.

The growth of drug trafficking is also reflected in rising drug seizures: Ecuadorian authorities seized about 82 tons in 2019 and more than 220 tons in 2023, according to international reports on security and organized crime.