American and Ecuadorian military forces launched joint strikes against narco-terror targets in Ecuador on Tuesday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced.
The joint operations target Designated Terrorist Organizations within the country, the U.S. announced in a press release. SOUTHCOM described the operations as a “powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean” to partner with the U.S. in combatting 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,” the press release stated. SOUTHCOM also posted the announcement on X, along with video of soldiers being deployed.
President Donald Trump designated several cartels as terrorist organizations on the first day of his second term in office, which the administration has used to justify military strikes in the Caribbean.
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.
Do you support the joint strikes by US and Ecuadorian forces against narco-terror targets?Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026
Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan commended the Ecuadorian armed forces “for their unwavering commitment” to the fight against drug trafficking.
“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 stated.
The strikes come less than a week after Trump announced Operation Epic Fury in Iran, hitting nuclear and military targets alongside the Israeli military. Both operations are part of a series of recent U.S. military and law enforcement campaigns conducted with regional partners.
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