American commandos are currently assisting Ecuadorian troops in a joint operation focused on dismantling a suspected criminal hub along Ecuador’s coastline. The mission, known as Lanza Marina, targets an alleged narco-terrorist organization.

Operation Lanza Marina

According to two U.S. officials who spoke anonymously to CBS News, the operation centers on a compound believed to be a staging ground for high-speed boats used by Los Choneros, a prominent Ecuadorian criminal organization. U.S. forces are operating in advisory roles, supporting and accompanying their Ecuadorian counterparts.

US Support and Legal Framework

The U.S. military utilizes various authorities, including security cooperation agreements and train-and-equip programs, to support foreign forces. These missions, often conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 127e – known as ‘127 Echo missions’ – are designed to combat terrorism. Historically, these operations required approval from the Secretary of Defense and congressional notification.

Expanded Authorities and Recent Actions

CBS News previously reported that President Trump broadened the authority of American commanders to authorize airstrikes and special operation raids outside traditional battlefields. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the accuracy of this reporting. Joint military operations between the U.S. and Ecuador against ‘designated terrorist organizations’ began in early March.

Escalation of Counter-Narcotics Efforts

The United States initiated strikes against suspected drug smuggling boats in September 2025, conducting at least 47 strikes resulting in approximately 163 fatalities. Marine Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, praised the Ecuadorian armed forces for their commitment to combating narco-terrorism.

Los Choneros Designation and Influence

Last year, Senator Marco Rubio announced that Los Choneros had been designated as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the State and Treasury Departments, respectively. This dual designation carries legal, national security, and financial implications.

Organization Structure and Reach

Los Choneros, formed in the 1990s, has evolved from a regional gang into a sprawling international network. The National Counter Terrorism Center notes the group employs a decentralized, franchise-like structure. The organization has approximately 12,000 members and operates in at least 11 Ecuadorian provinces, as well as Colombia and Peru.

Transnational Connections

Los Choneros has established ties with powerful transnational criminal networks, including Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and groups from Albania, facilitating its involvement in global drug trafficking routes.