On March 16, Ecuador's Armed Forces successfully destroyed a clandestine airstrip located in Milagro, Guayas province, believed to be utilized for drug transport and other illegal activities. The airstrip, measuring roughly 1.8 kilometers in length and 12 meters in width, was demolished using explosives and heavy machinery to create craters, effectively preventing further aircraft operations from taking place. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Ecuadorian authorities to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The identification of the airstrip came as a result of satellite image analysis and subsequent drone overflights, which provided the military with the necessary intelligence to execute the operation. In a continuing effort against illegal activities, this initiative demonstrates the sophisticated technological approach employed by Ecuador's military forces to monitor and address illicit operations. Notably, this is not the first time the area has been subjected to attention; a plane was discovered and attempted to be burned in the same vicinity in August 2020.

Ecuador has been under a declaration of internal armed conflict since 2024, as announced by President Daniel Noboa, in response to escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. This declaration emphasizes the government's commitment to tackle security threats and disrupt the operations of criminal organizations. The destruction of the clandestine runway not only aims to thwart drug transport but also serves as a significant tactic in the broader strategy to restore order and safety in regions affected by organized crime.