US troops participate in an anti-drug trafficking operation in Ecuador

U.S. military personnel participated in an anti-drug trafficking operation in Ecuador. The operation targeted a network with ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and is yet another example of the growing security cooperation between the White House and the government of Daniel Noboa.

"A joint operation between the national police and U.S. troops targeted ringleaders, financiers, and an entire drug trafficking network with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. They were apprehended early this morning in three provinces," said Ecuador's Minister of the Interior John Reimberg on the matter.

"The operation was carried out early this morning by the National Police in conjunction with U.S. troops and the DEA, which resulted in the arrest of more than 30 people in Guayaquil, Daule, Samborondón, Ventanas, Babahoyo, Puebloviejo, Vinces and Machala," he added.

On the U.S. side, approximately 50 military personnel from U.S. Southern Command and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participated. In addition to participating directly alongside Ecuadorian forces in the raids, U.S. troops provided technology and drones for the operation,

Although this was not the first joint operation between U.S. and Ecuadorian forces, CBS News reported that U.S. commandos had already participated in a mission of this type in early 2026, Ecuadorian authorities described Thursday's operation as the first in which troops from U.S. Southern Command directly participated in raids within the country.

The operation is also part of Ecuador's participation in the "Shield of the Americas," the initiative promoted by President Donald Trump to coordinate efforts among countries in the hemisphere against organized crime and drug trafficking. Noboa participated in the coalition's inaugural summit in March and, more recently, in the latest meeting alongside other regional leaders in Washington, D.C.