The Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense confirmed, on August 21, 2026, the carrying out of joint military operations with the United States in Ecuadorian territory. The initiative aims to combat criminal organizations and drug trafficking, forming part of the “Shield of the Americas” alliance, a joint effort led by Washington that encompasses approximately twenty nations in Latin America and the Caribbean in the fight against drug trafficking.
The United States Southern Command (Southcom) also confirmed the visit of General Francis L. Donovan to Ecuador. He met with local Defense authorities to discuss strategies to combat cartels.
According to information from the Ecuadorian Minister of Defense, the United States mobilized two warships, interceptor speedboats and three Black Hawk helicopters. These units will be strategically positioned on the route used by drug trafficking, between the mainland of Ecuador and the Galápagos archipelago.
No details were released about the exact number of troops involved in these actions. Southcom, contacted to provide further clarification, has not yet officially commented on the matter.
Previously, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had expressed his recognition of Ecuador. The praise occurred during an event of the Shield of the Americas alliance, held in Panama.
“I want to congratulate Ecuador for its regional leadership in becoming the first member of the A3C (Anti-Cartel Coalition of the Americas) to partner with the United States in a combined kinetic operation against narco-terrorists in Ecuador,” said the Pentagon chief.
Hegseth stated that the United States planned to begin military operations on the ground against drug traffickers in Latin America. The model for these actions, according to him, would be similar to attacks carried out by American Forces against vessels suspected of transporting drugs in the Pacific Ocean.
The secretary explained that Washington collaborates with several partner nations, including Ecuador and Colombia. The current Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, is considered one of Donald Trump’s most important allies in South America.
Concurrently with the military operations, the United States Department of State issued sanctions against more than a dozen people and companies based in Ecuador. The measure was taken in response to the alleged transport of thousands of kilos of cocaine from South America to Mexico, with the final destination being the American market.
Among the entities penalized are two Ecuadorian organizations classified as terrorist by the United States: the Los Choneros and Los Lobos cartels. According to Washington, these groups have strong connections with the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, both in Mexico.
