Overview
- U.S. Southern Command said operations began March 3 and released a brief helicopter video, while withholding target and location details.
- American personnel are reported to provide advising, intelligence and logistics as Ecuadorian forces conduct ground raids, according to U.S. officials cited by multiple outlets.
- The move expands Operation Southern Spear from months of maritime strikes to partner-led land actions after roughly 44 boat strikes that media tallies say killed about 150 people.
- President Daniel Noboa announced a new phase against narco-terrorism following meetings in Quito with SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, and Ecuador’s defense ministry said specifics remain classified.
- This marks the first U.S.-supported ground operation in Ecuador under the current campaign, drawing fresh scrutiny over legality, transparency and potential civilian harm.