US Southern Command Sinks Vessel Linked to Drug Trafficking

<p>U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on September 8 that the U.S. sank a vessel described as a "floating refueling station" associated with drug trafficking activities. This action was part of an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) in the Eastern Pacific.</p><p>SOUTHCOM stated in a post on X that the vessel was confirmed to be involved with the Los Choneros organization, which is recognized as a violent narco-terrorist group. Individuals removed from the vessel were transferred to Ecuadorian authorities, and after clearing the vessel and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it.</p><p>According to SOUTHCOM, JTF-WHEM continues to execute operations aimed at dismantling the logistical networks that support narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. This incident is part of a series of similar actions taken against vessels linked to the Los Choneros, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization.</p><p>A counterterrorism guide notes that Los Choneros is a significant contributor to violence in Ecuador, engaging in various criminal activities such as hired killings, kidnappings, political assassinations, and smuggling of weapons and drugs. The guide also mentions that Los Choneros collaborates with the Mexico-based Sinaloa Cartel and Albanian cartels to facilitate global drug shipments.</p>