United States and Ecuadorian military forces have launched coordinated operations targeting suspected narco-terrorist groups in Ecuador, according to the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
In a statement posted Tuesday, SOUTHCOM said the joint effort represents “decisive action” against designated terrorist organizations operating in the region.
The command did not immediately confirm whether there were casualties resulting from the operations.
“On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador,” SOUTHCOM said, describing the initiative as a strong demonstration of regional cooperation in combating narco-terrorism across Latin America and the Caribbean.
SOUTHCOM Commander Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s armed forces for their collaboration, commending their “unwavering commitment” and continued efforts against criminal networks within the country.
Separately, the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador announced the successful conclusion of a joint operation involving Europol and Ecuadorian authorities.
The operation dismantled the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization, which officials said is linked to the Los Lobos cartel.
The latest actions follow a series of U.S. military strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Last week, U.S. forces struck a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean tied to designated terrorist organizations, reportedly killing three suspected traffickers.
According to SOUTHCOM, U.S. forces have conducted at least 43 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in approximately 150 deaths.
Officials described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to curb the influence of narco-terror networks and reduce violence and corruption linked to transnational drug trafficking in the hemisphere
