Amid Spiralling Israel-Iran War In Middle East, Donald Trump Pushes US Into New Conflict

Washington: Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East between Iran and Israel , the United States has committed its military to a new conflict zone in Latin America. The  Southern Command of the US military (SOUTHCOM) has launched a joint operation with the Ecuadorian military against designated terrorist organizations (narco-terrorist organizations) in Ecuador. This operation is focused on rooting out drug trafficking and related terrorism.

What did SOUTHCOM say?

SOUTHCOM posted on social media that Ecudorian and U.S. military forces launched these operations on March 3. SOUTHCOM said this is a powerful example of partners' commitment to combating narco-terrorism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on civilians across the hemisphere," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.

"On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador," SOUTHCOM posted on X. "The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism."

SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan praised the Ecuadorian Armed Forces, stating that they have demonstrated unwavering dedication in this fight and have acted courageously and resolutely against narco-terrorists. General Donovan recently met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, where he reaffirmed US support for security cooperation and the fight against narco-terrorism.

What impact will the SOUTHCOM action have?

This action is part of the Trump administration's aggressive approach focused on South America during its second term. This includes the military operation in Venezuela to arrest President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and bring them to the US, where they are facing trial on narcoterrorism charges.

The US is currently embroiled in a conflict with Israel in the Middle East against Iran, raising tensions in several regions. This new campaign has angered some, with social media claiming it is another "farcical war" of the US empire, in which local people are being labeled terrorists overnight. Some believe this is an attempt to divert attention from issues like Iran and Epstein.

Notably, Trump's second term has seen a tougher policy against cross-border drugs, including attacks on suspicious vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific under Operation Southern Spear. This is the first time in Ecuador that US Special Forces have advised and assisted Ecuadorian commandos on the ground, while the main operation is being conducted by the Ecuadorian army.