Washington, D.C. – March 4, 2026 — In a significant escalation of counternarcotics efforts in South America, U.S. and Ecuadorian military forces conducted joint operations on March 3 targeting groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United States, according to an announcement from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
The operations, described by SOUTHCOM as a demonstration of strong regional partnership, focused on combating narco-terrorism—a term used to characterize violent drug-trafficking networks that have plunged Ecuador into one of the hemisphere’s most severe security crises in recent years. SOUTHCOM highlighted the Ecuadorian armed forces’ “unwavering commitment” and courage in confronting these threats.SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan stated: “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.”The announcement came just one day after Gen. Donovan met in Quito with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and senior defense officials to reaffirm U.S. support for Ecuador’s anti-narcotics campaign. Noboa has repeatedly described the effort as entering a “new phase” against drug terrorism and illegal mining, with the United States listed among key regional allies providing assistance.
While SOUTHCOM did not release specific operational details—such as locations, targets struck, or casualties—a video shared alongside the announcement depicted nighttime helicopter insertions, infrared footage of troop movements, and assaults on facilities, suggesting rapid air-mobile raids likely aimed at drug processing sites, storage locations, or leadership elements of criminal groups.
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
Ecuadorian authorities separately confirmed actions in coordination with international partners. The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador announced the dismantling of a transnational drug trafficking network linked to the Los Lobos cartel, one of the country’s most violent and powerful gangs, in a joint effort involving Europol and local law enforcement.
The Los Lobos and rival Los Choneros groups have been formally designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, a move that unlocks expanded military authorities for operations against them. Ecuador has become a critical transit point for cocaine destined for the United States and Europe, with gang violence contributing to record homicide rates and prison riots in recent years.
U.S. officials emphasized that American personnel primarily provided advisory support, intelligence, and logistical assistance to Ecuadorian commandos conducting the ground actions, rather than direct combat participation. This marks what sources describe as the first U.S. land-based military involvement against South American drug cartels in the current context.
The development has drawn mixed reactions online and in regional commentary. Supporters praise the cooperation as a necessary response to escalating cartel violence and the flow of drugs fueling the U.S. opioid crisis. Critics, including some voices in Latin America, question the presence of U.S. forces on Ecuadorian soil—especially after a 2025 referendum where voters rejected foreign military bases—and allege political motivations tied to the Noboa administration’s close alignment with the Trump administration.
President Noboa’s government has framed the operations as essential to restoring security, while SOUTHCOM stressed shared responsibility among hemispheric partners to disrupt networks responsible for widespread violence and corruption.
No further details on the scale, duration, or immediate outcomes of the March 3 actions have been released by either government as of Wednesday afternoon. Observers expect additional announcements as the “new phase” of joint efforts unfolds in the coming weeks.
