US forces sink narco-refueling station linked to Ecuadorian cartel in Pacific: SOUTHCOM

U.S. Forces Sink Floating Refueling Vessel Linked to Ecuadorian Drug Cartel

Washington, D.C. — U.S. military forces intercepted and sank a floating refueling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said. The boat, used by the Los Choneros narco‑terrorist organization to refuel and ferry drug‑laden ships at sea, was removed from the area before being destroyed.

The interdiction was carried out by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF‑WH), a multinational unit that SOUTHCOM activated in August to address growing threats and bolster security across the region. “JTF‑WH continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco‑trafficking in the Western Hemisphere,” a SOUTHCOM post on X (formerly Twitter) read.

According to the command, the crew aboard the vessel was removed and will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. Once the ship was cleared of personnel, U.S. forces scuttled it to prevent future use in drug‑trafficking operations.

Los Choneros, a group that has been linked to drug smuggling, terrorism, and violent attacks against public officials, was recently designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. The agency noted that the cartel’s members have targeted judges, prosecutors, journalists, and security personnel in Ecuador. “Their ultimate goal is to control drug trafficking routes through Ecuador by terrorizing and inflicting brutal violence on the Ecuadorian people,” State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott said.

The sinking is part of a broader U.S. campaign that has seen dozens of strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling vessels since the Trump administration launched its anti‑drug initiative. The operation follows the July extradition of Los Choneros leader Fito Macias, the first Ecuadorian citizen to be handed over to U.S. authorities after a joint effort by U.S. and Ecuadorian officials.

While the boat was used for at‑sea drug‑trafficking operations, the precise details of the cargo remain undisclosed. The U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard remain active in the Eastern Pacific, working with partner nations to monitor and interdict vessels that may be used to move narcotics into the United States and other markets.

The operation underscores the growing cooperation between U.S. and Latin American security forces in tackling transnational crime. “This is a clear message to those who use the ocean to smuggle drugs: the U.S. and its partners are watching,” said a SOUTHCOM spokesperson, adding that the mission would continue until the threat is neutralized.

With Los Choneros’ recent designation as a terrorist organization and ongoing extradition efforts, U.S. forces expect further interdictions in the coming months. The sinking of the refueling vessel marks a significant blow to the cartel’s logistical capabilities and signals continued U.S. commitment to disrupting drug trafficking routes in the Western Hemisphere.