The USA has opened a new front in Ecuador: now against drug cartels

The US Armed Forces, together with the military of Ecuador, have launched an operation against drug cartel organizations that Washington has designated as terrorist. The joint actions are aimed at combating drug terrorism in the region. The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported this, as noted by UNIAN.

They emphasized that this campaign demonstrates the cooperation of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean in countering organized crime.

The US operation in Ecuador: what is known about the fight against drug cartels

US military stated that the operation is aimed at organizations that spread violence and corruption in the countries of the region.

In their statement, the command noted:

«Together we are taking decisive action to combat drug terrorists who have long sown terror, violence, and corruption among citizens across the hemisphere».

The commander of the US Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, highly appreciated the involvement of Ecuadorian troops in the joint actions.

According to him, the American side values:

• the courage of Ecuadorian servicemen

• their determination in the fight against drug cartels

• their readiness to act against terrorist groups in their own country.

US military operations: how Washington intensifies the fight against drug trafficking

The intensification of actions against drug cartels occurs amid statements by US President Donald Trump. On January 23, he warned that US military could conduct ground operations against drug cartels in various countries.

Among the countries mentioned in this context were:

• Mexico

• Venezuela

• Colombia.

At the beginning of the year, the US also conducted an operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. During this special operation, the president of the country, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife were detained. They were brought to the US, where the politician is accused of drug terrorism. After this, he appeared before an American court.

On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026

Earlier we wrote that the US military operation against Iran significantly affects the situation in Ukraine, reducing the likelihood of transferring Tomahawk cruise missiles and creating strategic and economic advantages for Russia.