US, Ecuador Launch Joint Operations Targeting Narco-Terror Groups

US and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations Tuesday targeting suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said.

SOUTHCOM said it was taking “decisive action” against designated terrorist organizations, though it was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.

“On March 3, Ecuadorian and US military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador,” SOUTHCOM posted on X.

{snip}

SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s military for joining the US in the operations.

{snip}

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.

{snip}