General Donovan presented joint operations to strengthen security on the northern border.
On Wednesday, General Francis L. Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom), arrived in Ecuador to review joint security operations with Ecuadorian military personnel, particularly in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, which borders Colombia.
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The Ecuadorian Armed Forces and the Ecuadorian Navy conducted a working session at the San Lorenzo Marine Infantry Battalion, with the participation of the U.S. commander.
During the visit, Donovan presented joint operations to strengthen security on the northern border. Authorities conducted a river tour to learn about the operational capabilities of the deployed units and observe the surveillance and control work carried out by personnel in key sectors of Esmeraldas.
They also toured the unit’s medical clinic to evaluate actions aimed at strengthening medical care for military personnel, ensuring the well-being and operational capacity of the forces deployed in the region.
U.S. TROOPS REPORTEDLY CONTINUE ARRIVING IN ECUADOR
Reports claim additional U.S. soldiers are arriving in Ecuador as security cooperation expands, with the stated goal of supporting efforts against organized crime and narcotics trafficking. Official details on the deployment… pic.twitter.com/F78w0C7L0j
— Washington Eye (@washington_EY) July 14, 2026
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and the strengthening of operational capabilities to protect national waters and contribute to the security of the Ecuadorian state.
The Ministry of National Defense highlighted that, thanks to control efforts, “criminal organizations have fewer routes and fewer places to hide,” underscoring progress in the fight against organized crime.
Ecuador has been living under a state of “internal armed conflict” since 2024, declared by President Daniel Noboa to intensify the fight against criminal gangs, considered terrorist groups, although 2025 ended with a record 9,300 homicides.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | In Ecuador, the municipality of Quito honored the USAR-Ecuador 01 urban search and rescue team after the team completed its humanitarian mission in areas affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela. #WeStandWithVenezuela pic.twitter.com/EYz3j05I89
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 14, 2026
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Source: EFE
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