Ecuador kills alleged Los Choneros member 'Charlie' in Manta with US Southern Command support

Ecuador's Defense Minister confirmed the killing of 'Charlie', an alleged member of Los Choneros with ties to foreign criminal organizations, during a military operation in Manta. The operation involved the Armed Forces and support from the U.S. Southern Command, marking a notable instance of direct US military cooperation in Ecuador's internal security operations. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between the state and transnational criminal groups, with implications for regional security cooperation.