Overview
- SOUTHCOM said on March 3 that joint operations are targeting “Designated Terrorist Organizations” in Ecuador and released a brief video showing helicopters and troops.
- U.S. Special Forces are reported to be advising Ecuadorian commandos and providing intelligence and logistics, with Ecuadorian units conducting the raids.
- Ecuador’s Defense Ministry confirmed the operations but labeled specifics classified, leaving the scope, targets, duration and any results undisclosed.
- Outlets describe the action as an expansion of Operation Southern Spear, which media tallies say has killed roughly 150 people in about 44 strikes on suspected drug boats since September.
- Earlier U.S. designations of Ecuador’s Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations underpin the effort, after President Daniel Noboa signaled a “new phase” and planned joint actions in March.