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In a significant move against narco-terrorism, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces commenced joint operations in Ecuador on Tuesday, as announced by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
SOUTHCOM emphasized its commitment to combating terrorist groups, although details regarding casualties were not immediately available.
In a statement shared on X, SOUTHCOM confirmed, “On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces initiated operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador.”
The statement highlighted the operations as a testament to the dedication of Latin American and Caribbean partners in tackling the challenges posed by narco-terrorism.
“Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere,” SOUTHCOM stated.
Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Commander of SOUTHCOM, commended Ecuador’s military for its collaboration with the U.S. in these critical operations.
“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,” he said.
The US Embassy in Ecuador said Tuesday the United States “successfully concluded a joint operation” with Europol and Ecuadorian authorities dismantling the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization, which it said is linked to the Los Lobos cartel.
The announcement follows a series of US strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Last week, US forces struck a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean tied to designated terrorist organizations, killing three suspected traffickers.
That strike came after SOUTHCOM said last month it had carried out three strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11.
Overall, the US has conducted at least 43 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, killing 150 people in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
