Ecuador and the United States have launched joint military operations targeting drug trafficking networks, marking what President Daniel Noboa called a “new phase” in the country’s fight against narco-terrorism.
The announcement was confirmed by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which said Ecuadorian and US forces launched coordinated operations on March 3 against “designated terrorist organizations” operating in the country.
A “new phase” of the war on narco-terrorism
Noboa, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, said the operations were part of a wider crackdown on cartels that use Ecuadorian ports to transport cocaine to global markets.
“In March, we will conduct joint operations with our regional allies, including the United States,” Noboa wrote on X.
He described the initiative as “a new phase against narco-terrorism and illegal mining” amid spiraling drug-trafficking violence.
SOUTHCOM confirms offensive operations
SOUTHCOM said in a statement that the joint action underlines the regional commitment to counter organized crime.
“On March 3, Ecuadorian and US military forces launched operations against designated terrorist organizations in Ecuador,” the command said.
“The operations are a strong example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to fight the scourge of narco-terrorism.
Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of SOUTHCOM, praised the Ecuadorian armed forces: “We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and determination through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country.”
Details withheld
Ecuador’s defense ministry called the initiative an “offensive” operation, but said specific details remained secret.
Earlier this week, Noboa held talks in Quito with Donovan and Mark Schafer, head of US special operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean. According to Noboa’s office, the discussions focused on intelligence sharing and operational coordination at airports and seaports.
Ecuador at the heart of cocaine routes
About 70% of the cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru — the world’s largest and second largest producers — is transported through Ecuador, authorities say.
The drug trade has fueled a bloody war between rival gangs, transforming Ecuador from one of the safest countries in Latin America to one of the most violent in just a few years.
Curfew in violence-hit provinces
As part of the crackdown, Noboa declared a curfew from March 15 to 30 in four of Ecuador’s most violent provinces: Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and El Oro.
The United States and Ecuador have significantly strengthened security cooperation since Noboa took office in 2023. In December, Washington announced the temporary deployment of US Air Force personnel to a former US base in the port city of Manta, even after voters rejected a proposal to lift Ecuador’s ban on permanent foreign military bases.
The joint operations represent the latest escalation in Quito’s high-stakes battle against powerful drug cartels operating across the region.
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