United States sinks suspected drug trafficking refueling station in Pacific

United States and Ecuadorian forces have conducted a series of maritime operations in the Eastern Pacific to dismantle drug trafficking logistics. Most recently, the U.S. Southern Command reported the interception and destruction of a floating refueling station believed to be linked to the Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros.

During the operation, the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) evacuated the crew from the vessel before sinking it. No fatalities were reported during this specific intervention, and the crew members were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. This action is part of a broader campaign involving multiple strikes against suspected refueling vessels since late August.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has defended the operations, stating there is “clear evidence” that certain fishing vessels have been repurposed to supply fuel to narcotics traffickers. However, the campaign has faced domestic scrutiny; legal authorities have released dozens of detained fishermen after finding insufficient evidence of criminal activity. Additionally, reports have emerged regarding U.S. Marine Corps infrastructure work at the Taura Air Base, which some argue may conflict with constitutional prohibitions against foreign military installations on Ecuadorian soil.