The US has joined forces in Ecuador in operations against “narcoterrorists” responsible for alleged illegal drug trafficking.

The military’s southern command, which operates in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, made the announcement with little fanfare on social media.

Commander Francis Donovan said: “We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narcoterrorists in their country.”

Ecuador’s defence ministry refused to share details of the operations.

Trump’s war on drugs

The Trump administration has been waging war on drug cartels, and the president has pressured countries he deems responsible for illegal substances crossing the border to co-operate.

Combating “narcoterrorists” was the justification for Donald Trump’s hostile approach to Venezuela in the months before the stunning capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, in January.

Ecuador, however, has been keen to show it’s on Mr Trump’s side.

Sky’s chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joined police on a drugs raid in the capital, Guayaquil, where officers have been raising their game.

One told Ramsay: “The United States [is] giving us money, guns, technology, and we are so happy about that.

“It’s very important for the war.”

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The hunt for drug dealers in Ecuador

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The US also has plans to open a military base in Ecuador.

While the country doesn’t produce drugs, it is used as a transit by cartels in the region. Its ports are the gateway to sea routes north to the US and west to Asia and the South Pacific.