US Forces Sink Refueling Vessel Linked to Ecuadorian Cartel

US forces sank a floating refueling vessel used by an Ecuadorian organized crime ring on Monday, according to officials. Forces with Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTFWH) interdicted the vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which was reportedly used for at-sea drug trafficking operations, as stated by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). A post from SOUTHCOM on X noted, "JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere." The vessel was associated with the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization. Individuals aboard the vessel were removed and will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities before the vessel was sunk. JTFWH was activated by SOUTHCOM in August to address threats, enhance regional security, and respond to crises in the Western Hemisphere. On September 7, under SOUTHCOM's direction, JTF-WHEM forces successfully interdicted the refueling station. The Trump administration has emphasized targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels bound for the United States. Recently, the State Department designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its members' attacks and threats against public officials, security personnel, judges, prosecutors, and journalists in Ecuador. State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott stated, "Their ultimate goal is to control drug trafficking routes through Ecuador by terrorizing and inflicting brutal violence on the Ecuadorian people." In July, US and Ecuadorian authorities collaborated to extradite Los Choneros leader Fito Macias, marking the first extradition of an Ecuadorian citizen to the US for justice.