16 hrs ago
US destroys third suspected drug-trafficking vessel in Eastern Pacific
The United States says it destroyed a boat in the Eastern Pacific because it helped drug traffickers.
This was the third boat destroyed there in one week.
US officials said the boat was used to refuel other boats carrying illegal drugs.
They also said it was connected to an Ecuadorian gang called Los Choneros.
Some people from the boats were safely handed to Ecuadorian officials.
Families in Ecuador are worried because some fishermen have disappeared and others fear being attacked.
Human Rights Watch and families blame US military personnel for eight disappearances, but Washington denies this.
The US campaign has Ecuador’s support, although officials have not publicly shown definite proof that every targeted boat carried drugs.
The US military destroyed a third vessel in the Eastern Pacific within one week.
US Southern Command said the vessel operated as a floating refueling station for illicit drug trafficking.
Authorities said intelligence linked the vessel to Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang, which has ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.
An unspecified number of people were transferred to Ecuadorian authorities before the vessel was sunk; Ecuador said it received 28 crew members from two boats.
Families and fishermen fear mistaken targeting, while Washington denies involvement in eight fishermen’s disappearances and has not provided definitive evidence publicly.
- Who
- The United States military, Ecuadorian authorities, Los Choneros, affected fishermen, and their families.
- What
- The US military destroyed a suspected drug-trafficking support vessel and transferred crew members to Ecuador.
- Where
- The operations occurred in the Eastern Pacific, involving vessels and crews linked to Ecuador.
- When
- The latest strike occurred within a week of two other vessel destructions; one earlier strike took place the previous Friday.
- Why
- US authorities said the vessel supported illicit at-sea drug trafficking and was linked to Los Choneros.
US and Ecuadorian authorities
Families, fishermen, and critics
Purpose of the vessels
US and Ecuadorian authorities
US Southern Command said the latest vessel supported illicit drug trafficking as a floating refueling station and was linked to Los Choneros. Ecuador’s interior minister said the targeted boats transported cocaine toward Mexico and the United States.
Families, fishermen, and critics
Critics note that the administration has not publicly provided definitive evidence that the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking.
Safety of fishermen
US and Ecuadorian authorities
US and Ecuadorian authorities say crews were transferred safely to Ecuadorian officials before the vessels were destroyed.
Families, fishermen, and critics
Families and fishermen in Manta fear that legitimate fishing boats could be targeted, and some families blame US personnel for eight fishermen’s disappearances. Washington denies involvement.
Regional anti-drug campaign
US and Ecuadorian authorities
The United States and Ecuador describe the operations as part of a campaign against drug trafficking and violent gangs.
Families, fishermen, and critics
Affected families and fishermen say the strikes and disappearances have created fear and uncertainty in coastal communities.
Key facts
- Vessels destroyed
- Three vessels in the Eastern Pacific within one week.
- Reported vessel role
- A floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations.
- Crew transferred
- Ecuador’s Navy said it received 28 crew members from the latest vessel and another vessel destroyed on Wednesday.
- Gang cited
- Los Choneros, described by US Southern Command as a violent narco-terrorist organization.
- Unresolved disappearances
- Families and Human Rights Watch blame US military personnel for eight fishermen’s disappearances between January and March; Washington denies involvement.
- Public evidence
- The Trump administration has not provided definitive evidence that the targeted Pacific and Caribbean vessels were involved in drug trafficking.
- Ecuadorian support
- President Daniel Noboa’s government supports the US anti-drug campaign and has conducted joint operations with US special forces.
Quotes
Ginger Reyes
Wife of the captain of one of the vessels targeted by US forces
“The captain gathered us together to give us good news that our fishermen are coming back... they're alive, they're okay”
firstpost.com
“I don't know what to do anymore... I can't eat, I can't sleep, thinking about my son. I want them to return him to me”
firstpost.com
Fausto Soza
Ecuadoran fisherman who said he had avoided the sea for two months
“We're all afraid something might happen to us”
firstpost.com
Sources
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