QUITO — U.S. Southern Command said Monday it sank another Ecuadorian vessel in the Eastern Pacific that it alleged was linked to the criminal group Los Choneros, which Washington designates a foreign terrorist organization. The command said a joint task force intercepted a floating refueling station supporting illicit drug trafficking; people on board were removed for transfer to Ecuadorian authorities.
A video released with the announcement showed boarding, a helicopter overhead, and a projectile striking and sinking the boat. Southern Command said it was the fifth vessel targeted in less than two weeks. Earlier actions included the fishing vessel MarÃa Candelaria and vessels identified as OM2 and Los Tres Hermanos.
Ecuadorian authorities did not immediately comment. Families of fishermen from previously struck boats have demanded information; crews of some vessels say they were sunk while engaged in fishing. AP noted that at least 227 people have been killed in 68 U.S. government boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific over more than a year, and that critics question the legality and effectiveness of the campaign.
The Trump administration is seeking deals with regional allies to extend operations ashore. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had agreed to joint operations against criminal groups; Guatemala denied such a deal.
Sources: AP
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