US and Ecuador launch a joint military operation against organized crime
groups
[March 05, 2026]
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador and the United States have begun joint
military operations against organized crime groups in the South American
country, the U.S. military said, but neither government has given
details of the location and scope of the operation.
U.S. Southern Command said in a statement late Tuesday that Ecuadorian
and U.S. military forces had launched operations in a “powerful example
of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to
combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.”
A 30-second video accompanying a post on X showed a helicopter flying
over a group of men walking on the ground, but the footage stops without
revealing more about the location.
“We are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have
long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout
the hemisphere,” the post added, without providing other details of the
operation.
Gen. Henry Delgado, head of Ecuador’s Joint Command, said Wednesday
during a Quito security forum that “certain operations” took place on
Tuesday, but didn't provide details of any operations on Ecuadorian
soil.
“We are certain that our actions are for the benefit of our beloved
Ecuador, especially with the backing of international organizations and
other nations,” he said.
Ecuador's foreign and defense ministries did not immediately respond to
a request for comment from The Associated Press. The operation was not
mentioned Wednesday at the U.S. defense secretary briefing, which was
focused on Iran.
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Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa had said earlier this week that
his government was beginning joint actions with other countries as
part of a new phase in the fight against organized crime, as Ecuador
faces a sustained wave of violence linked to drug trafficking and
illegal mining.
“Ecuador demands security, our people need to live in peace,” said
Noboa, adding that military and police forces will be involved in
the operations he described as “very important.”
Ecuador maintains good relations with the United States, Israel and
Italy, among other countries, often collaborating on security
issues.
In February, Noboa ordered the foreign ministry to seek cooperation
agreements with “allied nations” that would allow “the incorporation
of special forces” on a temporary basis as support for the
Ecuadorian police and armed forces.
Authorities identify Ecuador as a critical logistical hub in the
global drug trade, where drugs — particularly cocaine — are
stockpiled, stored and distributed, especially from the northern
border with Colombia. The shipments are transported from its ports
to Central America, the United States and Europe.
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