The United States and Ecuador have launched a new joint operation against drug cartels that are officially recognized as terrorist organizations. The US military is providing intelligence and planning assistance, while Ecuadorian forces are conducting the main combat operations. Learn more about the reasons for the operation and its possible consequences for the region

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On March 3, the armed forces of the United States and Ecuador launched a joint operation against organized drug cartels that are recognized as terrorist groups. The start of the operation was announced by the US Southern Command.

Washington emphasizes that the fight is aimed at overcoming large-scale drug trafficking, corruption and violence that have been destabilizing the region for years. At the same time, the role of the US military is limited to intelligence, consultations and planning of operations, while ground and air operations are carried out by Ecuadorian forces.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa called these actions a new phase of the war against drug cartels. According to him, approximately 70% of the world's cocaine passes through the country's ports, which has made Ecuador one of the key centers of global drug trafficking.

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US and Ecuador launch joint operation against drug cartels

On March 3, the armed forces of Ecuador, with the support of the United States, launched a large-scale operation against organized drug cartels, which the country's authorities classify as terrorist groups. The launch of the operation was announced by the US Southern Command, emphasizing that it was part of broader cooperation with Latin American countries in the fight against drug terrorism.

The operation is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks that have contributed to the growth of violence, corruption and criminal groups in the region for years. According to the Commander of the US Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, the allies are taking decisive action against drug cartels that pose a serious threat to the security of citizens in the Western Hemisphere.

At this, direct combat actions are carried out by the Ecuadorian military. The US side participates in the operation as a strategic partner and provides support in the form of intelligence, advice and planning assistance. This format of cooperation allows Ecuador to strengthen the fight against drug cartels without deploying a full-fledged US military contingent in the country.

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Why Ecuador has become a key center of drug trafficking

In recent years, Ecuador has become one of the main transit hubs for the global drug trade. According to the country's authorities, about 70% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuadorian ports, making the country strategically important for international criminal networks.

One of the main reasons for this development is the country's geographical location. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, the two largest cocaine producers in the world, and its large seaports provide convenient access to international trade routes. It is through these ports that drugs are often smuggled to North America and Europe.

The situation is further complicated by the growing influence of transnational criminal groups that use the country as a logistics center for drug trafficking. As a result, the level of violence and criminal gang activity in the country has increased dramatically, and the fight against drug cartels has become one of the government's key priorities.

That is why the Ecuadorian authorities announced a new phase of the war against organized crime and turned to international partners, including the United States, to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks.

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What role does the US play in the new operation?

Although the operation is being conducted with the participation of the United States, the U.S. military is not directly involved in combat operations in Ecuador. The main ground and air operations are carried out by Ecuadorian army units, while the United States acts as a strategic partner and provides support.

Washington's assistance is focused primarily on coordination and information support of operations. The US military provides:

- intelligence information on the activities of drug cartels

- advice on special operations

- assistance in planning military operations

- coordination of actions in seaports and airports

In addition, representatives of the U.S. Southern Command held talks with the Ecuadorian authorities in Quito to discuss mechanisms for information exchange and joint actions to combat drug trafficking.

The fight against drug trafficking remains one of the key priorities of the United States in the Western Hemisphere. In recent months, U.S. forces have already conducted dozens of operations against ships used to transport drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific. Cooperation with Latin American countries, particularly Ecuador, is part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter transnational organized crime.

Will the military operation affect tourists in Ecuador?

So far, the Ecuadorian authorities have not announced any restrictions on entry for tourists in connection with the new operation against drug cartels. The main actions of the military are aimed at combating organized criminal groups and are carried out within the framework of special operations of the security forces.

At the same time, tourists are advised to closely monitor official government announcements and follow basic safety rules when traveling. Control measures may be stepped up in major cities and port areas, including checks on roads, at transportation hubs, or near strategic facilities.

Travelers should also consider several important recommendations:

- Check the current recommendations of their ministries of foreign affairs before traveling

- Avoid areas with high crime rates

- Use official transportation and trusted travel services

- Follow local news and police reports closely

Despite the challenging security situation, most of Ecuador's popular tourist destinations, including Quito, the Galapagos Islands, and the country's natural parks, remain open to visitors. However, tourists are advised to plan their trips in advance and follow the recommendations of local authorities.

Before traveling to any country, it is important not only to follow the news, but also to take care of your own financial and medical safety. Having insurance covering military risks can be an important element of protection when traveling to regions with a high level of tension. At Visit World, you can take out international insurance covering the risks associated with military events. This will help you feel more confident while traveling and be prepared for unforeseen situations.

We remind you! Some countries are island states with political neutrality, which means that the likelihood of military conflict is quite low. Read more about the countries that are likely to participate in World War III and the top safest countries in the world.

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