Glaeldys González

@glaeldys.bsky.social

Analyst, South Andes @crisisgroup.org

The U.S. military is still conducting lethal maritime strikes against alleged drug smugglers, and may have just begun strikes on land. @bcfinucane.bsky.social analyzes the #Trump administration’s most recent war powers report about a strike in #Ecuador: www.justsecurity.org/133744/did-u...

Did the United States Just Bomb Ecuador?

The U.S. military is continuing lethal maritime strikes against alleged drug traffickers — and may now be striking on land, in Ecuador.

justsecurity.org

New: Strange war powers report to Congress for the recent partnered US military op in Ecuador. I interpret this as a hostilities report notwithstanding this disclaimer: "Although present for this partnered operation, United States ground forces did not come into contact with hostile forces." 1/n

Dear Mr. President:
I write to apprise you of military action taken on March 6,
2026, against the facilities of narco-terrorists affiliated with
a designated terrorist organization. This action was taken at
the invitation of, with the consent of, and in partnership with
the Government of the Republic of Ecuador.
As you know, United States Armed Forces are engaged in
operations to protect the United States by combatting
extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels designated as
terrorist organizations. To combat these organizations and to
deny them sanctuary and freedom of operation, we have engaged
friendly foreign nations to provide limited operational basing
of combat-equipped forces. On March 2, 2026, I separately
notified you of changes in the global posture of United States
Armed Forces in the Western Hemisphere.
At the invitation and with the consent of the Government of the
Republic of Ecuador, United States Armed Forces partnered with
Ecuadorian Armed Forces to strike on March 6, 2026, the
facilities of narco-terrorists affiliated with a designated
terrorist organization. United States Armed Forces planned and
executed this mission in a manner designed to empower a partner
nation, degrade narco-terrorist activities, and minimize
civilian casualties. Although present for this partnered
operation, United States ground forces did not come into contact
with hostile forces.
I directed this military action to advance United States
national security and foreign policy interests and to fulfill my
responsibility to protect Americans at home and abroad. I acted
pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief
and as Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign
relations.I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers
Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the
Congress in this action.
The Honorable Charles Grassley
President pro tempore
of the Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Sincerely,

MX Army killed El Mencho today. A win for Sheinbaum. USG is happy too. The Cartel was quick to react setting buses, trucks and businesses on fire, blockading streets and highways. Locals? Terrified. I’m in Guadalajara, a city that virtually emptied out. No public transport, people sheltered in place

Perú tendrá su 8° presidente/a en 10 años. Esto escribió mi colega @glaeldys.bsky.social hace dos años: "Medidas para moderar el conflicto político y garantizar que la ciudadanía se sienta adecuadamente representada por las instituciones estatales son vitales para lograr la estabilidad en Perú".

Conflictividad perpetua: una ruta hacia la estabilidad en el Perú | International Crisis Group

Ningún país de América Latina sufre mayores índices de insatisfacción con la democracia y las instituciones gubernamentales que el Perú. Si no hay avances para frenar la polarización política y la dis...

crisisgroup.org

“Cuando empiezan a llevarse a los niños, ya es un sector muy difícil para recuperar el control”, dijo. “La comunidad ya está sometida, en silencio”. Nuestro último informe de @latam.crisisgroup.org explica cómo el reclutamiento de niños ha transformado el conflicto armado colombiano.

Menores en el frente de batalla: detener el reclutamiento infantil en Colombia | International Crisis Group

En Colombia, los grupos armados y criminales han reclutado a cientos de niños y niñas, causando un daño enorme a los menores, sus familias y comunidades. El gobierno y sus socios internacionales deben...

crisisgroup.org

NEW ANALYST’S NOTEBOOK | Ecuador Ignites Trade Spat with Colombia over Border Crime Glaeldys González Calanche explains an unexpected trade row between Ecuador and Colombia, allegedly over security along their shared frontier. www.crisisgroup.org/alr/latin-am...

Ecuador Ignites Trade Spat with Colombia over Border Crime | International Crisis Group

Crisis Group expert Glaeldys González Calanche explains an unexpected trade row between Ecuador and Colombia, allegedly over security along their shared frontier

crisisgroup.org

Nearly two years into Ecuador's self-declared “internal armed conflict”, the country still struggles to contain soaring levels of violence. Our latest report examines the drivers behind Ecuador’s homicide surge and evaluates the government’s militarized response to organized crime.

Paradise Lost? Ecuador’s Battle with Organised Crime | International Crisis Group

For decades, Ecuador was an oasis of calm as its South American neighbours descended into drug-related crime and conflict. No longer. Without a stronger social safety net and a firmer anti-corruption ...

crisisgroup.org

Today marks a year since the Sinaloa Cartel’s two largest factions, Chapitos and Mayos, fell into a deadly wave of infighting after the former kidnapped and rendered “El Mayo” Zambada to U.S. authorities. I visited the state recently for @crisisgroup.org and this is some of what I saw.

Local policeman on watch near a crime scene in Culiacan, Sinaloa

On his first visit to Ecuador, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed full support on security. He announced the designation of Los Lobos and Los Choneros as terrorist groups, pledged $13.5M to fight org crime, and suggested a possible U.S. military presence to address shared threats.