US-Ecuador Joint Ops Target Narco-Terrorists

0:00On March 4, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have kicked off joint military operations to crack down on drug trafficking. The U.S. Southern Command described it as decisive action against narco-terrorists, covering operations across South and Central America. Ecuador's defense ministry confirmed the offensive, but kept all details classified for security reasons. Meanwhile, the U.S. sides shared a short video clip showing helicopters in action during the mission. This move follows President Daniel Noboa's announcement on Monday about launching these partnerships with the U.S. and other allies this March. He called it a fresh push against narco-terrorism and illegal mining. It builds on recent U.S. successes, like a military-led task force that helped Mexican forces take down a top cartel leader last month, the biggest such. Bust in over a decade. These collaborations signal a ramped up regional fight against cartels, with officials hinting at more joint efforts to come in the months ahead.