US Military Sinks Drug-Linked Vessel, Hands Crew to Ecuador

The US military’s Joint Interagency Task Force–South confirmed it successfully intercepted and destroyed a floating fuel station in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Intelligence assessments tied the vessel to illicit drug trafficking operations and identified its affiliation with the Los Choneros criminal organization, designated as a violent terrorist group.

Second sinking in under a week

This marks the second such vessel sunk by US Southern Command in less than seven days. On 9 September, the command announced the sinking of an Ecuadorian-flagged ship also linked to Los Choneros and narcotics smuggling across Latin America.

According to media reports, the most recently targeted vessel is the sixth to be destroyed within fewer than 14 days as part of Washington’s ongoing campaign against the drug trafficking logistics infrastructure in the eastern Pacific.

Systemic pressure on terror-drug networks

After securing the vessel and disembarking its crew, US forces scuttled the ship. The detained individuals aboard will be handed over to competent Ecuadorian authorities to face charges related to narcotics trafficking.

General Francis Donovan, Commander of US Southern Command, emphasized the continuation of sustained pressure against terrorism-linked drug networks. “We continue to apply unrelenting pressure on these terrorists, striking them where it truly hurts—by dismantling their complex networks, disrupting their sophisticated logistics, and targeting their financial resources. This represents comprehensive systemic engagement,” Donovan stated.