March 4 (UPI) -- U.S. and Ecuadorian military forces launched joint operations against organizations linked to drug trafficking in Ecuadorian territory, the United States Southern Command said.
The Southern Command said the mission began Tuesday and is aimed at "designated terrorist organizations" operating in the South American country. The United States said it is functioning in an advisory capacity, while Ecuadorian soldiers conduct the operation.
"The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism," the command said in a message posted on social media.
This is the first time the United States has participated in a ground operation in Ecuador. Previously, U.S. involvement had been limited to airstrikes against smuggling vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Related
