started · updated
United States deploys MQ-9 Reaper drones to Colombia and Ecuador
The United States has begun redeploying MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America to intensify operations against drug cartels in Colombia and Ecuador. This strategic shift aims to provide continuous surveillance and intelligence over key trafficking corridors and border regions, replacing long-range missions previously launched from Puerto Rico.
In Ecuador, Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo confirmed that two Reaper drones are already operational, focusing on the northern border with Colombia and maritime routes in the Pacific. Colombia has reached an agreement to receive three drones on loan and is considering the purchase of an additional unit to bolster its surveillance capabilities against groups such as the ELN and the Clan del Golfo.
The deployment follows the formal inclusion of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in the Shield of the Americas, a White House-led alliance targeting transnational terrorist organizations. This move coincides with a period of reduced U.S. drone availability, as the Air Force reportedly lost approximately one-quarter of its Reaper fleet during recent conflicts with Iran. The operation is being conducted in coordination with U.S. Southern Command to dismantle illicit networks and enhance regional security.
Entities
Colombia · Ecuador · General Atomics · U.S. Southern Command · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The United States has transferred MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to Colombia and Ecuador. nacion.com.uy · fr.businessam.be · www.notiulti.com · time.news · dailycaller.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Under the second Trump administration, 20 Latin American-based cartels have been categorized as foreign terrorist organizations. dailycaller.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The U.S. Air Force fleet was reduced by approximately one-quarter following the loss of at least 45 Reapers during a conflict with Iran. fr.businessam.be · www.notiulti.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have joined the Shield of the Americas alliance to combat transnational terrorist groups. nacion.com.uy · lavozdelprm.org
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ecuadorian Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo confirmed that two Reaper drones are already operational in Ecuador. nacion.com.uy · fr.businessam.be · www.notiulti.com · time.news
- [● 2 SOURCES] The MQ-9 Reaper is manufactured by General Atomics and can stay airborne for up to 24 hours. lavozdelprm.org · time.news
- [● 4 SOURCES] Colombia has arranged to receive three MQ-9 drones on loan and is evaluating the purchase of a fourth. nacion.com.uy · fr.businessam.be · lavozdelprm.org · www.notiulti.com