Forces from Ecuador and the USA have launched joint operations against drug trafficking, the details being classified.

Forces from Ecuador and those of the United States have begun joint operations to combat drug trafficking, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command. This covers 31 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the action is part of an offensive operation, but details are classified. SOUTHCOM commander, General Francis L. Donovan, praised the commitment of the Ecuadorian armed forces in the fight against narco-terrorists. The announcement came after President Daniel Noboa stated that his government would conduct joint operations with the U.S. and other allies in March, as part of a new phase in the fight against narco-terrorism and illegal mining. Additionally, a new military group led by the U.S., specialized in gathering information about cartels, contributed to the Mexican military raid that led to the capture of Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', a major cartel leader.