From PBS NewsHour.

The U.S. says it has launched a joint military operation with Ecuador targeting organized crime groups in the country. U.S. Southern Command on Wednesday said the operation is focused on combating narco-terrorism, though further details about the mission are still unknown.

The action is the latest escalation of military involvement by U.S. forces in the region, following months of strikes against suspected smuggling vessels that have killed more than 150 people.

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