US and Ecuador launch military operation against organized crime groups

"U.S. Southern Command said in a statement late Tuesday that Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces had launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador, calling the actions a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism."

"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."

"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 and the United States have initiated joint military operations targeting organized crime groups and designated terrorist organizations operating in Ecuador. The Pentagon announced the operations through U.S. Southern Command, characterizing them as a demonstration of regional partnership against narco-terrorism. The specific details regarding location and operational scope remain undisclosed. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa described this as a new phase in combating organized crime, emphasizing the need for security and peace for citizens. The operations involve military and police forces and represent Ecuador's broader security collaboration with allied nations including the United States, Israel, and Italy. Ecuador faces sustained violence linked to drug trafficking and illegal mining activities.

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