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US joins Ecuador in operations against 'narcoterrorists'
| United Kingdom | general | ✓ Verified - news.sky.com

US joins Ecuador in operations against 'narcoterrorists'

#Narcoterrorists #Drug Trafficking #Ecuador #Trump Administration #Military Operations #US Southern Command #Cartel War #Guayaquil

📌 Key Takeaways

  • US and Ecuador conducting joint operations against narcoterrorists
  • Trump administration continuing its war on drug cartels
  • Ecuador receiving significant US support including money, guns, and technology
  • Ecuador's strategic ports serving as transit points for drug trafficking routes
  • US planning to establish a military base in Ecuador

📖 Full Retelling

Ecuador, while not a significant drug producer, serves as a critical transit point for regional cartels, with its ports functioning as gateways for maritime routes north to the United States and west to Asia and the South Pacific. The country has actively demonstrated its alignment with Trump's anti-drug strategy, particularly after the administration's hostile approach toward Venezuela culminated in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. Ecuadorian authorities have visibly escalated their counterdrug operations, as evidenced by police actions in major cities like Guayaquil, where officers have received substantial support from the United States. 'The United States giving us money, guns, technology, and we are so happy about that,' one Ecuadorian officer told Sky News correspondent Stuart Ramsay during a drugs raid. 'It's very important for the war.' Additionally, the United States has announced plans to establish a military base in Ecuador to further strengthen counterdrug capabilities in the region.

🏷️ Themes

Drug Trafficking, International Cooperation, Regional Security, Geopolitics

📚 Related People & Topics

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Illegal drug trade

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Connections for Ecuador:

👤 Daniel Noboa 2 shared
🌐 United States Armed Forces 1 shared
🌐 Quito 1 shared
🌐 Cuba 1 shared
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Mentioned Entities

Ecuador

Ecuador

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 Illegal drug trade

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Presidency of Donald Trump

Index of articles associated with the same name
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Original Source
US joins Ecuador in operations against 'narcoterrorists' The Trump administration has been waging war on drug cartels, and the president has pressured countries he deems responsible for illegal substances crossing the border to co-operate. Wednesday 4 March 2026 04:31, UK 10:38 Share How Ecuador is fighting a war on drugs Why you can trust Sky News The US has joined forces in Ecuador in operations against "narcoterrorists" responsible for alleged illegal drug trafficking. The military's southern command, which operates in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, made the announcement with little fanfare on social media. Commander Francis Donovan 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 narcoterrorists in their country." Ecuador's defence ministry refused to share details of the operations. Trump's war on drugs The Trump administration has been waging war on drug cartels, and the president has pressured countries he deems responsible for illegal substances crossing the border to co-operate. Combating "narcoterrorists" was the justification for Donald Trump's hostile approach to Venezuela in the months before the stunning capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, in January . Ecuador, however, has been keen to show it's on Mr Trump's side. Sky's chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joined police on a drugs raid in the capital, Guayaquil , where officers have been raising their game. One told Ramsay: "The United States giving us money, guns, technology, and we are so happy about that. "It's very important for the war." 1:33 Share The hunt for drug dealers in Ecuador Read more from Sky News: US is burning through ammo in Iran UK to impose 'unprecedented' visa ban The US also has plans to open a military base in Ecuador. While the country doesn't produce drugs, it is used as a transit by cartels in the region. Its ports are...
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