The United States (US) has opened another military front in Ecuador amid the ongoing war in Iran.
According to the US Southern Military Command, US and Ecuadorian forces have launched joint military operations against “designated terrorist organizations”.
The military did not provide further details; However, he suggested that the operations were part of President Donald Trump’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking in South America.
The commander of the United States Southern Command commended Ecuadorian residents for their support and unwavering commitment.
Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan said, “The men and women of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces have demonstrated remarkable courage and determination as they continue their actions against narcoterrorists in their country.
Since returning to the Oval Office for his second term, President Trump has intensified his campaign against what the US administration describes as drug trafficking.
The United States has carried out about 45 strikes against suspected smuggling ships, killing about 150 people in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.
Ecuador has been in a state of emergency over narcoterrorism since 2024 after gangs stormed a television station during a live broadcast and took staff hostage.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has asked for U.S. help in fighting drug gangs.
During a visit to the South American country in September last year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to “blow up” gangs if necessary and reaffirmed US support for the Ecuadorian government’s campaign against narcoterrorists.
