U.S. troops help Ecuador arrest dozens linked to ruthless cartel

U.S. military forces collaborated with Ecuadorian authorities in a recent operation aimed at dismantling a local branch of Mexico's notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The joint effort resulted in the arrest of over 30 individuals suspected of belonging to the group, with a direct link to CJNG, according to Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg.

The operation took place in multiple cities and involved approximately 320 Ecuadoran police officers and 50 U.S. Southern Command personnel. Reimberg shared images and videos of the operation, showcasing the officers' efforts in conducting raids and apprehending suspects.

The crackdown on criminal organizations in Ecuador has raised concerns among human rights organizations, who have documented instances of excessive use of force, torture, and enforced disappearances. Despite these concerns, right-wing President Daniel Noboa dismissed the criticism during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, attributing the criticism to a lack of concern over the increasing number of victims of organized crime in the country.

The partnership between Ecuador and the United States has its roots in a joint mission earlier this year, which targeted a suspected criminal hub operated by a narco-terrorist organization along the coast. However, Ecuador has transformed into a significant hub for cocaine trafficking, plagued by gangs linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels.

The country's escalating gang violence persisted even after the recapture in June 2025 of the prominent drug lord Adolfo Macías, who leads the Los Choneros gang. In July 2025, Macías was extradited to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.