Expansion of Military Cooperation Between United States, Colombia, and Ecuador

The commander of the U.S. Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, met with the defense ministers of Colombia and Ecuador in San Lorenzo, Ecuador. The trio agreed on a plan to significantly expand military cooperation along the Ecuador-Colombia border, shifting from episodic missions to sustained joint operations against groups designated by Washington as terrorist organizations.

An Evolving Tripartite Framework

This development is significant as it occurs at a time when U.S. military forces are already operating on the ground with Ecuadorian forces in Esmeraldas, although the exact nature of this cooperation has not been made public. Additionally, on August 23, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that all illegal armed and criminal groups will be classified and treated strictly as "terrorists" within a new "Comprehensive Security and Public Order Strategy," further laying the groundwork for an expansion of military cooperation with the United States and Ecuador.

The new U.S.-Colombia-Ecuador tripartite framework and the broader commitments recently assumed under the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) in Panama raise an even broader question: what types of U.S. military cooperation will occur in the Americas and under what authorities?

Levels of Military Cooperation

The framework, deepening the integration of U.S. military forces on the ground, could see these forces advising foreign military forces, participating in joint operational planning, and supporting or even participating in future joint patrols and lethal strikes within Ecuadorian and Colombian territory, and potentially elsewhere in the region.

The distinction is important because "security cooperation and security assistance" can describe various levels of activity, each governed by different authorities and with different levels of risk and consequences. U.S. military engagement with foreign security forces is best understood as four increasingly consequential forms of involvement, each with its own unique legal and political requirements and associated costs:

  1. Training and Equipping: The day-to-day practice of U.S. military security cooperation with foreign military forces. The Global Train and Equip program aims to conduct or support programs that provide training, services, and equipment to the national security forces of foreign nations, with the goal of improving the capacity of partner nations.
  2. Advising and Assisting: Long-term advisory teams have been developed because shorter-duration Mobile Training Teams do not provide the continuity necessary to achieve strategic objectives.
  3. Partner-Enabled U.S. Operations: Foreign forces support or facilitate a U.S. military operation.
  4. Direct Operational Employment of U.S. Forces: Operations conducted in accordance with Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which requires notification to Congress within 48 hours of the employment of forces.

Joint Operations in Ecuador

As of March 3, 2026, U.S. and Ecuadorian military forces launched joint operations codenamed "Operation Total Annihilation," including joint strikes against the Comandos de la Frontera within Ecuadorian territory. The president notified Congress of the operation, "in accordance with the War Powers Resolution."

On August 7, 2026, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense announced and published photos of Operation "Piraña del Norte," in which Ecuadorian forces, with U.S. support, destroyed a clandestine structure in Esmeraldas; no specific War Powers Resolution notification regarding that operation has been made public.

The Future of Security Cooperation

With Colombia's entry into the Americas Shield and plans to host a coalition intelligence and operations headquarters in Medellín, the expansion of Ecuador's joint military operations with U.S. forces and the United States seeking to operationalize its activities in the region, security cooperation relations could cover all four categories and authorities, including joint military operations that may require further notifications to Congress under the War Powers Resolution.

The question remains: as the Trump administration seeks to expand U.S. joint military operations throughout Latin America, will it continue to rely on presidential war powers or seek Congressional authorization?

Regional Repercussions and Legal Challenges

The expansion of military cooperation between the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador raises important regional questions. In particular, Colombia's new strategy of classifying all criminal groups as terrorist organizations could have implications for human rights and the legitimacy of joint operations. According to international law experts, the use of the term "terrorism" could justify wider military action but also requires greater international scrutiny.

International Reactions

The news of Operation Piraña del Norte has sparked mixed reactions in the region. While some Latin American countries have expressed concern over the increased U.S. military presence, others have seen the initiative as an effective way to combat drug trafficking. The Organization of American States (OAS) has stated that it will closely monitor developments to ensure respect for human rights.

Economic Implications

The increase in joint military operations could have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in the border areas between Ecuador and Colombia. On one hand, increased security could boost trade and investment. On the other hand, military operations could disrupt commercial activities and affect local communities. Analysts predict that the Ecuadorian government will need to carefully balance security and economy.

Technology and Innovation

Joint operations are also leading to greater use of advanced technologies, such as drones and surveillance systems. According to sources close to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense, joint forces are experimenting with new intelligence and communication techniques to improve the effectiveness of operations. This development could have long-term implications for regional security.

Future Perspectives

As the Trump administration seeks to expand its military presence in Latin America, the question remains whether the U.S. Congress will be willing to provide formal authorization for such operations. Some experts believe the president may continue to rely on executive powers, while others suggest that broader Congressional involvement may be inevitable to ensure the legitimacy of the operations.

Final Thoughts

The evolution of security cooperation between the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador represents a crucial moment for the region. While joint operations may offer solutions to complex security problems, it is essential that all actors involved operate in accordance with international law and human rights. Transparency and open dialogue will be key to ensuring that these initiatives are sustainable and beneficial for all parties involved.

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