U.S. and Ecuadorian military forces have launched joint operations in Ecuador targeting “Designated Terrorist Organizations” within the South American country, U.S. Southern Command revealed in a statement posted on X.
U.S. Southern Command confirmed the launch of the operations late Tuesday, in what it described as a "powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism."
"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,” Southern Command Gen. Francis L. Donovan wrote in the post. "We are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere."
The Ecuadorian Defense Ministry additionally announced that it is "LAUNCHING A NEW PHASE AGAINST NARCOTERRORISM AND ILLEGAL MINING,” in a post on X after the Southern Command’s announcement.
Prior to the announcement, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa revealed that his administration was commencing joint actions with international partners as part of a new era in its combat against organized crime. The nation has recently dealt with a surge of violence linked to illegal mining and drug trafficking.
"Ecuador demands security, our people need to live in peace," Noboa expressed, confirming the affiliation of military and police personnel in what he deemed "very important" operations.
Ecuador currently has fortified security partnerships with the U.S, Italy and Israel.
In February, President Noboa ordered the foreign ministry to seek cooperation agreements with "allied nations" to establish the temporary deployment of "special forces" to enhance Ecuadorian police and military forces.
Steven McLoud, a representative for the Southern Command, affirmed that there is “nothing further to add” when reached for additional comments by USA Today.
