US Military Takes Down Ecuadorian Vessel Tied to Drug Trafficking

In a significant military operation, the U.S. Southern Command sank an Ecuadorian ship on Monday, claiming it was associated with the notorious drug trafficking organization Los Choneros. This action marks the fifth vessel targeted by U.S. forces in a series of strikes aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks in the Eastern Pacific.

The operation involved a floating refueling station believed to be facilitating illicit maritime drug operations. According to the Southern Command, all personnel aboard the vessel were safely removed and will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. A video released by the military depicted the process, which included boarding the ship and a subsequent missile strike that led to its sinking.

Recent Strikes and Continued Operations

This latest incident follows the sinking of the fishing vessel María Candelaria just last week, which was also targeted in collaboration with Ecuadorian officials. The Ecuadorian navy successfully located and rescued 26 crew members from María Candelaria, who returned to the port city of Manta on Sunday. Additionally, eight fishermen from another vessel, Conquista II, are still unaccounted for, raising concerns among their families.

Four other vessels, including OM2 and Los Tres Hermanos, have been reportedly sunk in similar operations, all linked by U.S. authorities to Los Choneros, classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.

Controversy Surrounding U.S. Military Actions

The U.S. military has conducted over 68 strikes against vessels involved in drug trafficking since the start of this campaign over a year ago, resulting in the deaths of at least 227 individuals. Critics have raised questions about the legality and effectiveness of these operations, citing a lack of evidence against some of the victims. In one case, Ecuadorian officials noted they found no indication that a survivor had engaged in criminal activities.

As the U.S. government seeks to expand its anti-drug operations in Latin America, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed agreements with countries like Colombia and Honduras for joint military ventures. However, Guatemala has publicly denied such claims, stressing the complexities surrounding these international military collaborations.

Source: www.independent.co.uk