Southern Command said the U.S. and Ecuador conducted joint military operations.
ByLuis Martinez 
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:13AM
WASHINGTON — The United States and Ecuador conducted joint military operations against “designated terrorist organizations in Ecuador,” U.S. Southern Command announced on Tuesday.
This marks the first time that the U.S. military has engaged in a land operation against South American drug cartels.
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Until now, the U.S. military had only carried out airstrikes targeting smuggling boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.Â
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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