US Launches Anti-Drug Operation In Ecuador

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Bernama-dpa) — The United States on Tuesday launched an anti-drug operation in Ecuador, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

"On March 3, Ecuadorian and US military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organisations in Ecuador," said SOUTHCOM in a post on social media platform X.

"Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere," SOUTHCOM said.

On Monday, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said the South American country was "embarking on a new phase in the fight against narco-terrorism and illegal mining".

"In March, we will conduct joint operations with our allies in the region, including the US," he said in a post on X.

"The safety of Ecuadorians is our priority, and we will fight to achieve peace in every corner of the country."

Ecuador is considered an important transit country for cocaine from Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, which is smuggled to the US and Europe.

— BERNAMA-DPA