According to information provided by the Southern Command, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have joined efforts to combat drug traffickers who have long created an atmosphere of fear and violence in the region.
In its statement, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense emphasized that the operation is being carried out as part of an "offensive" strategy, although details remain classified.
According to ABC News, the involvement of American military personnel was limited to advisory support for Ecuadorian forces, and they did not take direct part in ground operations.
It is noted that this is the first instance in which American military forces have engaged in ground operations against drug cartels in Latin America, whereas previously their activity consisted of conducting airstrikes on drug traffickers' maritime vessels in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
As reported by ABC News, American military personnel acted as advisors, providing Ecuadorian forces with planning, intelligence, and operational support, but they did not participate in direct combat actions.
