(C) The Tico Times

The Donald Trump administration has embarked on a crackdown on organized crime in South America, concurrent with its massive military operations against Iran.

The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on the 4th (local time) that it is conducting joint military actions with Ecuadorian authorities targeting drug trafficking cartels.

General Francis Donovan, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "On the 3rd, Ecuadorian and U.S. forces launched operations against designated terrorist organizations within Ecuador. This operation is a firm example of the commitment of our partner nations in Latin America and the Caribbean to fight against the scourge of narco-terrorism."

A 30-second video shared on X showed individuals walking on the ground and the utilization of aerial surveillance assets. The U.S. military did not disclose specific details, including the exact location or scale of the operation.

The U.S. government has designated major Ecuadorian criminal organizations, such as 'Los Choneros' and 'Los Lobos,' as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), viewing them as military targets that threaten national security.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa wrote on his X account, "We are moving to a new stage in the fight against narco-terrorism and illegal mining. We will conduct joint operations with regional allies, including the United States, and we will respond forcefully to criminals wherever they are."

The right-leaning Noboa administration, which maintains a pro-U.S. diplomatic stance, has collaborated frequently with the Trump administration on security issues. Last month, President Noboa instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow the "temporary deployment of foreign special forces" to support the Ecuadorian police and military.

Ecuador previously hosted a U.S. military base in the coastal city of Manta but amended its constitution in 2008 during the leftist Rafael Correa administration to prohibit the establishment of foreign military bases and the presence of foreign troops. U.S. forces subsequently withdrew.

Located between Colombia and Peru, the world's largest cocaine suppliers, Ecuador has transformed into a battleground for drug trafficking gangs in recent years.

The Trump administration has been conducting aggressive activities in Latin America, including efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and supporting the removal of Mexican cartel leader 'El Mencho.' Recently, it has also continued direct airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership and core military facilities.