Pentagon Announces Military Operation Inside Ecuador Targeting ‘Designated Terrorist Organizations’

American military forces are taking the war against drug lords to Ecuador.

“On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador,” U.S. Southern command posted on X.

“The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism,” the post continued.

“Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.”

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

The post quoted Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis Donovan as saying, “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.”

As noted by the BBC, in September, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Ecuador and took a hard line against criminal organizations in the nation.

During his visit, he said two major Ecuador-based gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, would be designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

Rubio said at the time that the U.S. would partner with foreign nations to fight criminal organizations.

A report in The New York Times noted that Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of cocaine that is produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru.

A Tuesday Southern Command post indicated more action might be forthcoming.

“Ecuador is one of the United States’ strongest partners in disrupting and dismantling Designated Terrorist Organizations in the region. The most effective way to defeat the threat of narco-terrorism is through shared responsibility and collaboration among regional allies and partners,” Donovan was quoted as saying in the post.

“Ecuador is one of the United States’ strongest partners in disrupting and dismantling Designated Terrorist Organizations in the region. The most effective way to defeat the threat of narco-terrorism is through shared responsibility and collaboration among regional allies and… pic.twitter.com/UajjrzD78t

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 3, 2026

Colombian President Daniel Noboa discussed the operation Monday in a post on X.

“We are launching a new phase against narcoterrorism and illegal mining,” he wrote in a translated version of his post.

“In the month of March, we will conduct joint operations with our regional allies, including the United States. The security of Ecuadorians is our priority, and we will fight to achieve peace in every corner of the country,” he wrote.

“To achieve that peace, we must act forcefully against criminals, wherever they may be. The pursuit of justice and national dignity will never be persecution, but rather a promise that we will keep to Ecuadorians,” he added.

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