U.S. forces destroy floating refueling boat linked to Ecuadorian cartel

U.S. forces assigned to Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere intercepted and sank a floating refueling ship that facilitated drug-smuggling operations for the Los Choneros narco-terrorist group in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Personnel aboard the vessel were taken into custody and will be handed over to authorities in Ecuador. The action follows the activation of JTF-WH in August to counter illicit networks and strengthen regional security.

The State Department has labeled Los Choneros a foreign terrorist organization, noting its history of attacks on officials, judges, prosecutors, and journalists in Ecuador. The United States has conducted numerous strikes against similar vessels under its anti-drug campaign. Earlier cooperation between the U.S. and Ecuador led to the extradition of Los Choneros leader Fito Macias to face U.S. charges.