Civilians faced attacks, abuse in joint US-Ecuador operations, HRW says

Civilians in Ecuador endured attacks and abuse during joint US-Ecuador military operations aimed at combating organized crime, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The findings, released on Tuesday, highlight serious human rights violations and call for increased congressional scrutiny of the United States' role in the region. The report, based on 62 interviews and extensive analysis of over 100 photographs, videos, satellite imagery, and other documentation, details incidents occurring between March 1 and 6 in a border settlement near Colombia. During these operations, Ecuadorian soldiers arbitrarily detained and tortured four dairy farm workers who had set fire to three properties. The soldiers later dropped munitions on two of the sites. One of the detainees described being subjected to electric shocks using a taser, with water poured over him before each shock, causing him to lose consciousness multiple times. The four men were not formally charged, as the report states that soldiers failed to present any evidence against them. While US and Ecuadorian authorities claim the targets were associated with the Comandos de la Frontera, an armed group active on both sides of the Ecuador-Colombia border, HRW's investigation found no evidence supporting this assertion. Analysis of photographic and video evidence, alongside property records and commercial receipts, revealed that two of the locations had long been abandoned, and the third was identified as an operational dairy farm. The report also notes that the full scope of US participation in the specific attacks was known, though the Trump administration maintained that US forces were merely present in regional operations in San Martin. This discrepancy underscores ongoing tensions over transparency and accountability in cross-border security efforts. Separate investigations into maritime activities reveal further allegations of US involvement in attacks on Ecuadorian fishermen. Between January and March 2026, two fishing vessels near the Galapagos Islands were targeted. One vessel vanished with all eight of its crew members. On March 17, the crew of the La Negra Francisca Duarte II reported being attacked by armed drones. Nine days later, on March 26, the Don Maca encountered a similar assault. Both crews claimed they were boarded by a blue and white vessel staffed by individuals wearing military-style uniforms with US flag insignias. These individuals detained the crews and subsequently handed them over to the Salvadoran Coast Guard. A crew member of the Don Maca recounted witnessing the initial explosion while working in the hold, icing fish. The incident highlights broader concerns regarding the legality and consequences of US naval actions in the region, especially given the administration’s recent focus on countering drug trafficking through targeted strikes. These developments come amid growing international scrutiny of US military interventions in Latin America. Critics argue that such operations often lack due process and can lead to civilian casualties. The HRW report adds to a mounting body of evidence suggesting that US-Ecuador collaboration in counter-narcotics efforts may be contributing to human rights abuses rather than reducing violence. As the situation unfolds, there is increasing pressure on both governments to clarify their roles and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. The outcomes of ongoing inquiries and potential legal actions could shape future policies and practices in transnational security partnerships.