The US has launched a military campaign in Ecuador aimed at cooperating with Ecuadorian forces to take decisive actions against designated narco-trafficking organizations. Initiated on Tuesday, this operation is part of a broader strategy by the United States, led by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), to combat drug trafficking in the region.

SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan praised the Ecuadorian armed forces for their commitment and courage in fighting against narco-terrorists. This move demonstrates the US's continued military involvement in Latin America, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and organized crime as indicated by recent military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have resulted in substantial loss of life.

President Donald Trump has characterized the operations in Latin America as an armed conflict with drug cartels, underlining a shift toward aggressive measures to tackle drug trafficking. This perspective signals a significant escalation of US military engagement in South America, raising questions about the implications for regional sovereignty and the efficacy of military solutions to drug-related violence.