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

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Human Rights Watch has accused joint US-Ecuador security operations of exposing civilians to attacks and abuse during anti-crime actions carried out from January to March 2026. The rights group said civilian farmers and fishermen were caught up in operations tied to Ecuador’s campaign against organised crime, and urged the US Congress to seek stronger oversight of Washington’s security partnership with Quito.

According to Al Jazeera, HRW’s report was based on 62 interviews and analysis of visual material, satellite imagery, vessel and fire data, medical records and court documents. The group said Ecuadorian soldiers detained and tortured four dairy farm workers during March 1-6 operations near the Colombian border, while three properties were burned and two were later hit with munitions. HRW said the men were not charged and that it found no evidence supporting Ecuador’s claim that the sites were camps used by Comandos de la Frontera.

The report also examined incidents at sea near the Galapagos Islands. HRW said two Ecuadorian fishing vessels were attacked in March and a third vessel, the Fiorella, disappeared in January with eight crew members. Crew members from two boats reportedly described being held by people in military-style clothing with US flag markings and later transferred to Salvadoran authorities. Al Jazeera noted that the Trump administration has denied involvement in the maritime attacks, while many questions remain unanswered.

The allegations come as Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has deepened security cooperation with the United States amid rising violence and repeated states of emergency. Rights groups have warned that intensified military measures risk abuses without transparency, safeguards and accountability.