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Results for “Operation Southern Spear”Clear

Trump's Drug War Expands in Ecuador — Operation Southern Spear Under Scrutiny

U.S.-Ecuador joint military operations under Operation Southern Spear have drawn international scrutiny after an NYT investigation revealed a promoted 'drug camp' strike actually hit a dairy farm. The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has raised concerns about military abuses under repeated states of emergency.

Chip Moreno·April 2, 2026

safety

"Drug Camp" Bombing Was a Dairy Farm — NYT Investigation Reveals

A New York Times investigation found that a joint U.S.-Ecuador military strike in early March, promoted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as destroying a drug trafficking camp, actually destroyed a cattle and dairy farm in San Martin. Workers reported beatings, choking, and electrical shocks by soldiers.

Chip Moreno·April 2, 2026

safety

Ecuador Homicides Fall 28% in March After Four-Province Curfew

Ecuador's government announced intentional homicides dropped 28% in March 2026 year-over-year, following a two-week nightly curfew in four provinces. The curfew provinces -- Guayas, Los Rios, El Oro, and Santo Domingo -- are not major expat areas, but the security trend is nationally significant.

Chip Moreno·April 2, 2026

safety

US Special Forces Are Now Operating in Ecuador — Here's What That Means for Expats

American troops launched joint operations with Ecuadorian forces on March 3, targeting cartel infrastructure across multiple provinces. Today, France24 reports that US-backed airstrikes are leaving border communities in fear. Here's the full picture.

Chip Moreno·March 20, 2026