U.S. and Ecuador Launch Joint Raids on Narco-Terror Groups
On March 3, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces conducted joint military operations under #OpSouthernSpear against terrorist organizations like Los Choneros and Los Lobos, which the U.S. designated as foreign terrorist groups in September 2025. SOUTHCOM released infrared footage of the nighttime helicopter raid and praised Ecuador's armed forces for their commitment. The actions address Ecuador's surging gang violence since 2022, including prison takeovers and record homicides, amid joint efforts to disrupt cocaine routes fueling U.S. opioid deaths. Reactions divided, with some hailing the move against fentanyl threats and others questioning U.S. expansion.