U.S., Ecuador Launch Joint Strikes in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

U.S. and Ecuadoran forces have carried out joint strikes inside Ecuador as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking within the South American country, according to a statement by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

The operation was launched at the request of President Daniel Noboa, who is described by his right-wing administration as a close ally of President Trump. The military action against designated terrorist organizations aimed to dismantle narcoterrorist networks that have fueled violence and corruption in Ecuador.

A video posted alongside the statement showed multiple targets exploding and being destroyed during these operations. No details on casualties were provided immediately, though there was no immediate indication of significant loss of life.

According to Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell’s statement, “The Department of Defense executed targeted action at the request of Ecuador in order to advance our shared objective of dismantling narco-terrorist networks.” The post also mentioned that this collaboration reflects efforts across the Western Hemisphere to detect, disrupt, and destroy designated terrorist organizations linked to drug trafficking.

In an Instagram post, President Noboa detailed that the strikes targeted a training camp belonging to a dissident faction of FARC guerilla group. He wrote, “We destroyed the hideout of Mono Tole, the leader of the CDF (Border Commandos), and a training area for drug traffickers,” accompanied by images showing a house exploding in a forested area.

“Don’t underestimate our joint forces and Ecuadorian armed forces as they successfully neutralized narcoterrorists today. This is strategic success for all nations committed to dismantling this threat,” Donovan emphasized in his statement, underscoring the importance of such collaborative efforts.

Noboa, who has held talks with U.S. military officials including General Francis Donovan and Mark Schafer, head of U.S. Special Operations, has highlighted Ecuador’s role as a critical ally in fighting drug cartels. He previously stated that Washington was among “regional allies” participating in the operation against drug trafficking networks.

This latest strike comes after Ecuador sank a “narco sub” near its northern border earlier this week and discovered a clandestine camp and narco-vessel in the Cayapas–Mataje mangrove forest ready for illicit activities. Ecuador has boosted security cooperation with the U.S. since Noboa’s administration, which took power in 2023.

Last month, Ecuadorian forces executed a joint strike that resulted in the deaths of six men aboard an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The military operation aimed to disrupt organized crime networks within Ecuador and enhance border security.

U.S. Southern Command has been at the forefront of this regional collaboration to combat narco-terrorism, uniting partners across the Western Hemisphere in their shared goal of dismantling these dangerous organizations.