The Trump administration is expanding U.S. cooperation with Ecuador to target drug-trafficking organizations, with American military personnel directly supporting raids against groups identified as narcoterrorist threats. The operations have resulted in the deaths of alleged traffickers and the detention of dozens of others as the U.S. and Ecuador intensify efforts to disrupt drug networks.
WHAT WE KNOW:
Ecuadorian security forces conducted a series of raids across the country this week.
The operations resulted in three alleged drug traffickers being killed.
Dozens of people were captured or detained during the operations.
About 50 U.S. military personnel joined more than 300 Ecuadorian police officers in raids Thursday.
The raids occurred in Guayaquil and several other locations.
Ecuadorian officials said the raids targeted a drug network with ties to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
More than 30 people were detained during Thursday’s operations.
Ecuadorian forces, working with U.S. Southern Command, killed a drug boss known as Charlie and two of his security guards.
Officials said Charlie belonged to Ecuador’s Choneros gang and had ties to the Jalisco cartel.
The United States has provided Ecuador with intelligence, equipment and training to combat criminal organizations.
U.S. military personnel have historically played a largely supporting role rather than directly participating in Ecuadorian drug raids.
U.S. Southern Command said the joint operations demonstrate Ecuador’s resolve to defeat hemispheric threats.
President Daniel Noboa has called for greater international support against narcoterrorist organizations.
In March, the United States helped Ecuador bomb suspected drug traffickers near the Colombian border.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said U.S. elite forces are operating alongside Ecuadorian personnel to target drug traffickers, calling the cooperation an important development in combating narcotrafficking terrorists.
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