Ecuadorian and U.S. forces have begun joint military operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks, the United States Southern Command announced Tuesday, though officials from both countries released few details about the mission.

In a statement posted on X, Southern Command said the coordinated effort is intended to combat illicit narcotics trafficking across the region.

Ecuador’s Ecuador Ministry of Defense confirmed that its armed forces are working alongside the United States in what it described as an “offensive” operation but said further information about the mission remains classified.

Southern Command oversees U.S. military operations across 31 nations in South and Central America and the Caribbean.

In a statement attributed to him in the command’s announcement, SOUTHCOM commander Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s military for its role in the campaign.

“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” Donovan said.

Officials did not specify where the operations are taking place or how long they are expected to continue.