The US military has launched a significant operation in Ecuador, marking a joint effort to combat drug trafficking. This initiative comes as a response to the growing drug crisis, with the US Southern Command leading the charge. The operation is part of a broader strategy to address illicit drug trafficking across South and Central America and the Caribbean, a region that encompasses 31 countries. The Southern Command's statement on X emphasized the 'decisive action' taken to combat this issue, but details remain scarce. Ecuador's Defense Ministry has classified specific offensive operations, adding an air of mystery to the joint endeavor. The announcement follows President Daniel Noboa's declaration on Monday, where he outlined plans for joint operations with the US and allies in March, framing the effort as a 'new phase against narco-terrorism and illegal mining'. The US military's involvement is further highlighted by its role in a recent Mexican military raid, resulting in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', the elusive crime boss. This operation marked the biggest takedown of a cartel kingpin in at least a decade, showcasing the US military's specialized task force in intelligence collection on drug cartels.
