On Tuesday, March 3, the Armed Forces of Ecuador and the United States began a series of joint operations against designated terrorist organizations, marking a new chapter in bilateral military cooperation. According to images released by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), personnel from both countries participated in nighttime incursions supported by H225M helicopters, with the objective of neutralizing cells linked to narco-terrorism and transnational organized crime networks.
From SOUTHCOM, officials highlighted that these maneuvers represent “a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.” In the same vein, General Francis L. Donovan, commander of the Southern Command, praised the courage of Ecuadorian personnel for their “unwavering commitment in this fight.” During his recent visit to Quito, Donovan met with President Daniel Noboa to analyze mechanisms for cooperation, information sharing, and operational coordination at strategic airports and ports.
Between the 1st and 2nd of the current month, General Donovan also held meetings with the Minister of National Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo Rendón, and with senior commanders of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. The meeting, held in a framework of cooperation and mutual trust, included an agenda focused on interoperability and support for operations against criminal organizations. A photograph released by the U.S. Embassy in Quito shows Donovan shaking hands with Minister Loffredo Rendón, a gesture symbolizing the firm will of both countries to strengthen regional security.
The announcement of the joint operations came one day after President Noboa confirmed the start of a “new phase” in the war against drug trafficking and illegal mining, reaffirming the alliance with the United States. The meeting was also attended by Rear Admiral Mark A. Schafer, head of the Special Operations Command South, and officials from the Ministry of Defense. The collaboration seeks to reinforce the military presence in critical areas and curb the flow of narcotics coming from Colombia and Peru.
Cooperation between Ecuador and the United States has been consolidated since 2023 through multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening defense and security capabilities. Among the most relevant is the donation of a TPS-43 3D air surveillance radar, finalized in September 2025 during the visit of Admiral Alvin Holsey, as well as the signing of the Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA). This framework allows for the secure exchange of sensitive information and the protection of critical infrastructure against emerging threats.
These efforts are complemented by significant transfers of military equipment from Washington. In April 2025, the U.S. Department of State approved a 64-million-dollar sale in logistical support for the M4A1 rifles used by the Ecuadorian Army, while last January the Ecuadorian Navy incorporated the patrol vessel Isla Santa Rosa, donated by the United States Coast Guard. These actions reflect a sustained policy of assistance and modernization of Ecuador’s armed forces, within the framework of strategic cooperation that encompasses maritime security as well as air and land control.
The strengthening of the bilateral alliance responds to the worsening internal scenario in Ecuador, now one of the countries most affected by violence linked to drug trafficking. The operations launched together with the United States seek to regain control of territory, disrupt smuggling routes, and restore public security, consolidating Ecuador as a key partner in the hemispheric fight against narco-terrorism.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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