According to Reuters, murders in Ecuador jumped 30 % in 2025, with 9,216 homicides, largely driven by gang violence in Guayas province. In response, President Daniel Noboa deployed over 10,000 troops and deepened security cooperation with the United States, launching joint military operations to combat drug trafficking and violent criminal gangs.

As part of a broader Trump administration strategy treating major cartels as “narco‑terrorists,” the US Southern Command is coordinating with Ecuadorian forces to target designated organizations linked to drug routes. The partnership aims to confront narco‑terrorism and surging drug-related violence in the country.

President Noboa has described these actions as a new phase in fighting criminal networks and restoring security, though specifics of the coordinated operations remain limited, according to the Associated Press. The US Southern Command writes:

On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.

Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.

“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” said Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command.