From Security Cooperation to Combined Operations: The U.S.-Ecuador Partnership

Ecuador and the United States growing relationship In recent months, increased attention has been directed toward the United States' expanding activity across Latin America. The Trump administration has launched numerous strikes in amongst its broader efforts to combat international cartels, while simultaneously designating select cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO's) . Ecuador has become an integral part of Trump's ongoing regional strategy. Last month US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commended Ecuador 'for its regional leadership in becoming the first 'A Triple C' member to partner with the United States in combined kinetic operations against narco-terrorists.' Ecuadorian military forces are now notably operating with American military forces in Esmeraldas to conduct joint operations to combat gangs linked to organized crime. This follows a U.S.-Ecuador joint operation 'TOTAL EXTERMINATION' conducted in March 2026, and President Trump's notification to Congress that the operation was consistent with the War Powers Resolution. Amid this increased activity, many questions have been raised about the nature of the United States' involvement and what their logistical support entails. A recent Responsible Statecraft article titled 'What do current US military ops in Latin America actually look like?' provides insight to readers seeking information on this topic. What does the new U.S.-Colombian-Ecuadorian tripartite framework entail? Deepened integration of U.S. military forces on land U.S. military forces advising foreign military forces Combined operational planning Support/participation in future combined patrols and lethal strikes inside Ecuadorian and Colombian territory, and potentially elsewhere in the region. What does this mean for U.S. military engagement with foreign security forces in the region? Responsible Statecraft's article puts it simply that there are 'four increasingly consequential forms of involvement, each with their own unique legal and political requirements and associated costs: training and equipping; advising and assisting; partner-enabled U.S. operations; and direct employment of U.S. forces.' Training and equipping: day-to-day practice of U.S. military security cooperation with foreign military forces Advise and Assist: longer-term advisory teams intended to provide continuity and customized solutions necessary to achieve strategic goals Partner-enabled U.S. operations: provides support to foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals that support or facilitate authorized ongoing U.S. special operations forces to combat terrorism. At this level, foreign forces are now supporting or facilitating a U.S. military operation. Direct U.S. force operational employment within a foreign country As the Trump administration continues to grow its influence across Latin America, Ecuador may represent more than a single relationship. The US-Ecuador relationship may indicate how Washington's security relationships in the region could evolve.