American military advisors are providing planning, intelligence, and logistical support to Ecuadorian forces but are not directly participating in ground assaults and airlift operations. However, some missions may involve U.S. advisers operating near the raids, while other operations will be conducted solely by Ecuador's military, according to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Interior Minister John Reimberg announced that Ecuador will launch a major offensive against criminal organizations in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas from March 15 to 30, with an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew and U.S. logistical support. "We do not want collateral victims from the attacks we are about to launch," Reimberg said at a press conference, adding that Ecuador has significant support from U.S. forces. The U.S. Embassy, Defense Department, and Southern Command did not comment on the planned March 15-30 offensive, according to multiple media reports.
According to research reports, U.S. troops have been deployed to the former U.S. base at Manta, which is also operated by Ecuador’s military. U.S. Southern Command described the deployment as a short-term arrangement conducted within existing bilateral agreements and in accordance with Ecuadorian law.
According to research reports, Operation Southern Spear has seen American aircraft conduct more than 40 strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific since September, with these strikes killing an estimated 150 people.
A joint operation with Europol and Ecuadorian authorities dismantled a drug trafficking organization linked to the Los Lobos cartel, according to research findings, resulting in 16 arrests and the seizure of six tonnes of cocaine in Europe.
President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% security tariff on Colombian imports starting February 1, saying it will remain until Colombia shows commitment to jointly combating drug trafficking and illegal mining. He noted that Ecuador has a trade deficit exceeding $1 billion annually with Colombia.
According to research reports, the Trump administration designated Los Lobos and Los Choneros as Foreign Terrorist Organizations last year. Research also indicates that Trump has criticized Colombia's left-wing government for not pursuing aggressive drug trafficking enforcement and has enacted a sweeping tariff campaign, including a baseline 10% tariff and additional individualized tariffs.
President Noboa stated that Ecuador's military continues to confront criminal groups linked to drug trafficking at the border without any cooperation from Colombia.
Colombia and Venezuela have initiated joint military cooperation against organized crime along their border, according to Presidents Delcy Rodríguez and Gustavo Petro. The collaboration targets smuggling of cocaine, gold, rare minerals, and human trafficking. Major media reports say that President Petro's visit to Venezuela is the first by a foreign leader since former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S.
According to research reports, President Noboa hosted U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem twice. Noem praised Ecuador as an excellent partner in stopping illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and smuggling. Noboa also backed a failed referendum that would have allowed the construction of U.S. military bases in Ecuador, according to research reports.
According to research reports, the full scope, duration, operational details, legal authorities, and rules of engagement for the U.S. military presence remain undisclosed. The potential economic impact of Ecuador's 30% tariff on Colombian imports and public reaction to the U.S. military presence remain unclear.