US launches military operation against cartels in Ecuador

The United States and Ecuador launched the operation against “terrorist organizations” on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Southern Command.

WASHINGTON — The United States and Ecuador launched a military operation against Ecuadorian cartels on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Southern Command.

This marks the first time that the U.S. military has engaged in a land operation against South American drug cartels, ABC News reported.

In a statement, the U.S. Southern Command referred to the cartels as “terrorist organizations.”

“The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism,” U.S. Southern Command said in a statement on social media. “Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.”

Command Gen. Francis L. Donovan, who is the head of the Southern Command, 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 narco-terrorists in their country.”

This story is developing and will be updated.