The Shield of the Americas Summit and American Involvement in Ecuador

In early March 2026, Ecuador and the United States (U.S.) began coordinated military operations against various criminal gangs across the Andean nation.[2] Currently, Washington is mainly focusing on advising Ecuadorian forces and police in anti-narcotics operations and assisting with intelligence and logistical oversight. Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the U.S.  may begin to conduct airstrikes against gangs and narcotics traffickers across Ecuador.