U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launch joint campaign against narco-terrorist organizations tied to international cocaine trafficking networks.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) provided information on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, about U.S. military forces conducting operations against drug-trafficking organizations in Ecuador. The U.S. military forces are working in conjunction with Ecuadorian special operations units. SOUTHCOM confirmed that the U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have begun coordinated military operations against “designated terrorist organizations”. Ecuador has become a major cocaine export hub, with much of the drug supply from Colombia and Peru transiting through its Pacific ports. (The Guardian, Mar 3, 2026)
Why it matters: The deployment represents one of the most significant expansions of U.S. military involvement in Ecuador since the closure of the Manta Forward Operating Location in Ecuador in 2009 and reflects Washington’s growing concern about Ecuador’s role as a major cocaine export hub.
Background: Ecuador has emerged as a major transshipment point for cocaine originating in Colombia and Peru. In recent years powerful criminal organizations have expanded control over trafficking routes and port infrastructure, contributing to a surge of violence and prompting Ecuador’s government to seek expanded international security assistance.
On March 3, 2026, U.S. Southern Command posted this statement on Twitter / X:
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism. Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
General Francis L. Donovan, commander of SOUTHCOM, stated:
“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.”
Ecuador Operations Part of Larger U.S. Campaign in Region
This campaign appears to have begun in recent months, with the staging of U.S. assets followed by the commencement of operations. Specific units involved and locations of the activities have not been disclosed. SOUTHCOM is framing the operation as part of a broader regional campaign against transnational criminal networks trafficking cocaine through the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific corridor. The Ecuadorian operation appears to be part of the larger U.S. campaign referred to as “Operation Southern Spear.” Since 2025, U.S. Southern Command has conducted maritime strikes and interdiction missions against drug-smuggling networks across the region.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced (Twitter / X) on March 3, 2026 its role in the operation:
“#DEA Guayaquil Resident Office & the #DEAEuropeDivision played a critical role in dismantling a large-scale international drug trafficking network linked to the Ecuadorian ‘Los Lobos’ cartel. 16 suspects were arrested, and 6 tons of cocaine were seized in Europe.”
U.S. forces are likely providing intelligence support, ISR, operational planning, targeting assistance, and logistics coordination. The two groups that are likely being targeted are: Los Choneros and Los Lobos. These groups are tied in with Mexican cartels and Colombia and Peru cocaine producers. The U.S. State Department designated these two groups as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The Pacific ports are major hubs for shipping cocaine north into cocaine trafficking pipeline.
Photo: Commanders of USSOUTHCOM and SOCSOUTH meet with Ecuador MoD. March 2026. (Photo U.S. Embassy, Ecuador, March 2, 2026)
Role of Special Operations Command South
On March 2, 2026, The commander of USSOUTHCOM, General Francis Donovan, along with the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command South, Rear Admiral Mark Schafer, visited Ecuador and held meetings with the Ecuador senior leaders to include the President, Minister of Defense, and other government authorities.
In December 2025, U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) posted that U.S. Special Forces were advising and assisting the 4th Division of the Ecuadorian Army on counter narcotics missions. (Dec 11, 2025, Twitter)
Regional Context
Ecuador is a transit country for drugs leaving Colombia and Peru, entering Ecuador, and then leaving from Ecuadorian seaports on the Pacific Ocean. From those ports, the drugs can travel to the United States and other countries as well.
It is likely that part of the U.S. military involved in current operations in Ecuador are U.S. special operations and intelligence organizations. The New York Times published a report (Mar 3, 2026) stating that U.S. Special Forces soldiers are advising and supporting Ecuadorian commandos on raids across the country. In December 2025, U.S. Air Force elements were positioned at Eloy Alfaro Air Base in Manta, Ecuador. This was previously a ‘Forward Operating Base’ for U.S. forces in the early 2000s. (Army University Press, 2025)
On March 4, 2026, the U.S. hosted the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at the U.S. Southern Command Headquarters. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted the meeting of security leaders from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. A year ago President Trump signed an Executive Order that designated narco-traffickers and cartels as Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTOs). (DoD, Mar 4, 2026)
History of U.S. Military Involvement in Ecuador
U.S. SOF involvement in Ecuador has historically been limited, intermittent, and primarily advisory, focused on counter-narcotics, counter-insurgency spillover from Colombia, and security cooperation. Unlike Colombia, Ecuador has never hosted a large or sustained U.S. special operations campaign, but U.S. SOF elements have periodically worked with Ecuadorian forces through training programs, exercises, and intelligence support.
In the 1980s-1990s U.S. special operations became more involved in Ecuador with the expansion of U.S. counter-drug operations in the Andean region. As part of the Andean Ridge strategy and Operation Snowcap (launched in 1987), Green Berets conducted periodic mobile training teams (MTTs) with Ecuadorian military units. Focus areas were on jungle warfare, reconnaissance, riverine operations, and small-unit patrolling. In addition, civic action and humanitarian missions were conducted. The 7th Special Forces Group was the main SOF element taking part in these missions; sometimes assisted by the 20th Special Forces Group (National Guard). In 1986, Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) was established and became the lead organization to coordinate these special operations and training initiatives throughout Latin America, including Ecuador.
In the late 1990s-2000s Ecuador’s location on the northern border with Colombia became strategic due to the conflict in Colombia with insurgent organizations. A U.S. forward operating base was established at Eloy Alfaro Air Base in Manta, Ecuador where U.S. aircraft were staged. (Army University Press, 2025) In the 2010s, U.S. SOF continued training with Ecuador’s special operations, jungle warfare, and naval commando units.
In early 1995, a border dispute between Peru and Ecuador intensified resulting in armed conflict. A Military Observer Mission Ecuador / Peru (MOMEP) element was formed to provide a multinational peacekeeping force. 7th SFG(A), along with SOCSOUTH, played a leading role in the resolution of this dispute. Eventually, a peace treaty was agreed upon in 1998.
What Comes Next?
Recent instability in Ecuador has seen renewed interest in expanded security cooperation and SOF advisory support. Under the Trump administration, special operations may continue operations in Ecuador. This support to Ecuador may likely see expanded U.S. training missions, increased intelligence sharing, and continued maritime interdiction.
