The U.S. military has deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones to Colombia and Ecuador to conduct intelligence and potential strike operations against drug cartels, marking a shift in resources under the Trump administration's focus on Latin American narcotics networks.

U.S. officials familiar with the decision said a small number of the hunter-killer drones, previously operating over Africa, have been moved to the two countries. The aircraft support joint counternarcotics efforts with local forces, as both nations have agreed to allow U.S. operations within their borders against groups designated as terrorist organizations by Washington.

Colombian officials confirmed over the summer an agreement to receive three MQ-9 Reaper drones, with consideration for purchasing an additional unit. Ecuador's defense minister stated that two drones have already been transferred and are operating in the country's skies.

The MQ-9 Reaper, capable of precision strikes and costing up to $50 million each, has seen use in high-profile operations elsewhere. The transfer comes amid reported shortages following losses in other theaters. It is not yet clear exactly how many drones have arrived in each country or when full operations will commence.

This deployment aligns with broader U.S. efforts to disrupt trafficking routes, particularly those linked to Mexican cartels such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel operating through Ecuadorian ports. Recent joint operations in Ecuador have resulted in dozens of arrests tied to these networks.

The move reflects the administration's emphasis on direct military support for regional partners combating narco-terrorism, building on existing agreements for intelligence sharing and joint actions.