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US Military Expands Anti-Drug Operations in Ecuador to Combat Narco-Terrorism

KVIA•Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:41 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The US military has initiated operations in Ecuador aimed at targeting designated terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking, as announced by the Pentagon. This move is part of the broader Operation Southern Spear, which has resulted in the deaths of 151 individuals linked to drug activities in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean. The operations focus on notorious criminal groups, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, which were labeled as foreign terrorist organizations last year. Ecuador's Defense Ministry confirmed the start of a new phase against narco-terrorism, emphasizing collaboration with US forces to enhance security and combat organized crime. This announcement follows a meeting between Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and US defense officials to discuss strategies for improving operational coordination against transnational crime.

Key Details: • Ecuador's Defense Ministry announced a new phase in the fight against narco-terrorism. • Los Lobos and Los Choneros are targeted as foreign terrorist organizations. • Operation Southern Spear has resulted in 151 fatalities linked to drug trafficking. • Coordination efforts include enhancing security at airports and ports.

military ecuador drug-trafficking narco-terrorism us-southern-command

People & Organizations

Daniel NoboaUS Southern CommandEcuadorGen. Francis L. DonovanGovernment Palace in QuitoEcuadorian Armed Forces

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