The United States has launched military action in Ecuador, targeting two major drug gangs just days after opening hostilities against Iran.

US Southern Command confirmed strikes against “designated terrorist organisations”, marking a sharp escalation of President Donald Trump’s expanding use of force abroad.

From Tehran to the Tropics

The move comes on the heels of US attacks on Iranian nuclear and government targets. Now the focus has swung to Latin America, where Washington says narco-trafficking networks pose a national security threat.

US Southern Command called the operation “a powerful example” of regional resolve against narco-terrorism. Critics see a widening war doctrine taking shape in real time.

Cartels Branded Terrorists

The strikes target Los Lobos and Los Choneros, Ecuadoran gangs newly designated as foreign terrorist organisations by Washington. Both have ties to Mexico’s powerful cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Ecuador’s Defence Ministry hailed a “new phase against narcoterrorism and illegal mining”. President Daniel Noboa has warned that up to 70% of the world’s cocaine flows through his country’s ports.

Blowing Boats Out of the Water

The campaign follows earlier US “kinetic strikes” against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean. It marks a break from traditional Coast Guard interdictions towards outright destruction.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously described the approach bluntly: “Blow them up, get rid of them.”

Legal Lines Tested

International law experts question whether such cross-border operations comply with global maritime rules. The US is not a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

With two theatres active in a week, Washington’s message is unmistakable: threats, whether nuclear or narcotic, will be met with force — wherever they emerge.

Trump launches military action in another country days after attacking Iran

Falkland Islanfs next ?

22 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Falkland Islanfs next ?

He should claim the Chagos Islands, it's not as if Britain wants them any more.

24 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Falkland Islanfs next ?

Are the Brits dealing drugs?

Branding cartels as terrorist organizations is not a bad thing. No that doesn't mean I support whats going on Its just common sense.

Operation Nonce Distraction seems to be getting bigger. Also China gets oil from Ecuador.

I wonder if Trump's plan is to cut off China's access to oil around the world to force them to buy from the US at elevated prices.

Just the beginning people, Trump plans to control all of the Americas (to be renamed Trumpland).

Expect another invasion next month.

Trump seems to think he is on a winning path (what Epstein files?), so strike while he is "hot".

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Just the beginning people, Trump plans to control all of the Americas (to be renamed Trumpland).

Expect another invasion next month.

Trump seems to think he is on a winning path (what Epstein files?), so strike while he is "hot".

Believe the first actor , Binny is also in

criminal avoidance mode. Seems this might

take a while longer!

3 hours ago, khaosokman said:

Are the Brits dealing drugs?

Depends if they are in Trump's mind

4 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Falkland Islanfs next ?

Naah, he claims Corsica is part of the US because he likes young wild boar stew for breakfast, while fondling some underage creature..

5 hours ago, khaosokman said:

Are the Brits dealing drugs?

1 hour ago, candide said:

It's not the same oil. Venezuela produces heavy to extra-heavy crude, which necessitates specific refining infrastructure. Iran is producing medium to ligh crude. They are not fully substitutable.

6 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Falkland Islanfs next ?

6 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Falkland Islanfs next ?

5 hours ago, khaosokman said:

Are the Brits dealing drugs?

They are behaving most unfairly manipulating the price of wool; most unfair, very nasty people in fact.

Also of course, lots of penguins, and the tariffs on penguins don't seem to have had much effect!

2 hours ago, CallumWK said:

Depends if they are in Trump's mind

Does Trump have a mind?

5 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

Does Trump have a mind?

Yes, a sick one

On 3/5/2026 at 6:39 AM, BritManToo said:

He should claim the Chagos Islands, it's not as if Britain wants them any more.

Hey, size matters. They sure ain't Greenland!

What an ego-show, eh? And what's in it for Ecuador?

For sure, Trump has no plan for Ecuador just like Venezuela & Iran.

27 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Hey, size matters. They sure ain't Greenland!

What an ego-show, eh? And what's in it for Ecuador?

For sure, Trump has no plan for Ecuador just like Venezuela & Iran.

The airforce base Starmer refused to let Trump use was on the Chargos Islands.

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

The airforce base Starmer refused to let Trump use was on the Chargos Islands.

It was also RAF Fairford in the UK!

12 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

It was also RAF Fairford in the UK!

Yeah, for 15 minutes...