US Military Operations in Ecuador

The US has launched military operations in Ecuador, with the US Southern Command saying it’s all about combating narco-terrorism. That’s all they’re saying, though – no other details are forthcoming.

What We Know (And Don’t Know)

It’s not like the US is being terribly secretive or anything, but they’re not giving us much to work with here. The operation is a joint effort with Ecuador, but that’s about it. No word on what specific actions are being taken, or what the goals are beyond the vague ‘combating narco-terrorism’ claim.

It’s hard not to be skeptical when the US throws around terms like ‘narco-terrorism’. It’s a convenient label, but it doesn’t tell us much about what’s really going on. And with the US’s history of, shall we say, ‘creative’ uses of military force, it’s natural to wonder what’s really driving this operation.