Ecuador begins trials for crew of ships bombed by U.S. Marines

A judge in Manta, Ecuador, has launched the first of three direct trials against approximately 88 crew members from five vessels that were bombed by U.S. Marines in Pacific waters. The vessels involved include the Conquista 2, María Candelaria, Don Rufo, X Siempre Don Carlos, and Karla Franccesca. These ships were intercepted and sunk by U.S. military forces between August 28 and September 16.

Prosecutors allege the crew members are guilty of illicit association, claiming the ships functioned as floating refueling stations for boats transporting drugs to North America. Authorities also suggest the crew had links to Los Choneros, an Ecuadorian criminal group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, which maintains ties to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.

The 88 defendants are currently free under conditions that prohibit them from leaving the country and require weekly appearances before a prosecutor. The judicial proceedings are scheduled in stages: the first trial involves 32 crew members from the Conquista 2 and María Candelaria; a second trial for 10 members of the Don Rufo is set for Thursday; and a final trial for 46 members of the X Siempre Don Carlos and Karla Franccesca is scheduled for October 8.