US and Ecuador Launch Joint Military Operations Against 'Narco-Terrorists'

The US launched joint operations with Ecuadorian forces against "designated terrorist organizations" in the Latin American country.

The Details: The military released a statement suggesting that the Southern Command joined with the Ecuadorian armed forces to extend strikes against suspected drug trafficking organizations in the country. The US Embassy in Ecuador also said the US had successfully concluded an operation that dismantled the Hernán Ruilova Barzola transnational drug trafficking organization. According to New York Times (Lean Left bias), American troops are not believed to be conducting raids, but instead are supplying Ecuadorian troops with intelligence to help plan their operations.

Key Quotes: The Commander of the U.S. Southern Command said, "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." 

For Context: President Donald Trump's second administration has conducted about 45 strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean that were suspected of smuggling drugs to the US. These strikes have killed more than 150 people. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage of the Ecuador operations was similar across the political spectrum. New York Times wrote that Ecuador "has emerged as a key South American" since the second Trump administration began. The Hill (Center) noted that some experts have said that the lethal strikes on the alleged drug boats in the Pacific violated international law. New York Post (Lean Right) focused on the Southern Command's statements on X and highlighted other recent strikes on suspected smuggling vessels in the Pacific.

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