U.S. Forces Sink Refueling Vessel Linked to Ecuadorian Cartel in Eastern Pacific

<p>U.S. forces on Monday sank a floating refueling vessel used by an Ecuadorian organized crime ring, according to officials.</p><p>Forces with Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTFWH) interdicted the refueling vessel involved in at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported.</p><p>"JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere," a SOUTHCOM post on X stated.</p><p>The vessel was associated with the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization, according to SOUTHCOM. The individuals aboard were removed and will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities.</p><p>Once the boat was cleared, U.S. forces sank it.</p><p>JTFWH was activated by SOUTHCOM in August to counter threats, strengthen regional security, and respond to crises in the Western Hemisphere.</p><p>The Trump administration has prioritized targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels bound for the United States.</p><p>U.S. forces have conducted numerous strikes targeting such boats as part of the administration's anti-drug campaign.</p><p>Last week, the cartel was designated by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization. Its members have reportedly attacked and threatened public officials and their families, security personnel, judges, prosecutors, and journalists in Ecuador, the agency stated.</p><p>"Their ultimate goal is to control drug trafficking routes through Ecuador by terrorizing and inflicting brutal violence on the Ecuadorian people," said State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott.</p><p>In July, U.S. and Ecuadorian authorities cooperated to extradite Los Choneros leader Fito Macias, who was the first Ecuadorian citizen extradited from Ecuador to face justice in the U.S.</p>