US, Ecuador launch joint operations targeting narco-terror groups: SOUTHCOM

U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launch joint operations against suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, marking latest partnership to combat drug trafficking, SOUTHCOM announced. MILITARY US, Ecuador launch joint operations targeting narco-terror groups: SOUTHCOM SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis Donovan praises Ecuadorian forces for 'unwavering commitment' in fight against narco-terrorism By Michael Sinkewicz Fox News Published March 3, 2026 11:56pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video US, Ecuador target narco-terror groups in joint operation Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador on Tuesday, March 3. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations Tuesday targeting suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said. SOUTHCOM said it was taking "decisive action" against designated terrorist organizations, though it was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties."On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador," SOUTHCOM 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." SOUTHCOM added: "Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere." U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations targeting suspected narco-terror groups in Ecuador. (U.S. Southern Command) SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s military for joining the U.S. in the operations."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," he said. The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador said Tuesday the United States "successfully concluded a joint operation" with Europol and Ecuadorian authorities dismantling the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization, which it said is linked to the Los Lobos cartel.The announcement follows a series of U.S. strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. US KILLS 11 IN 3 STRIKES ON ALLEGED DRUG-RUNNING BOATS U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations Tuesday targeting suspected narco-terrorists in Ecuador, according to U.S. Southern Command. (U.S. Southern Command) Last week, U.S. forces struck a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean tied to designated terrorist organizations, killing three suspected traffickers.That strike came after SOUTHCOM said last month it had carried out three strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11. U.S. Southern Command announced "decisive action" Tuesday against designated terrorist organizations in Ecuador as part of ongoing counter-narcotics efforts. (U.S. Southern Command)CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Overall, the U.S. has conducted at least 43 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, killing 150 people in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Related Article US military kills 3 in latest strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Pacific Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] Related Topics MILITARYCounter-terrorismNarco-TerrorSouth AmericaLatin America True Crime The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!