U.S. and Ecuador sink vessel linked to narco-terrorist organization

The United States and Ecuador intercepted and sank a vessel allegedly linked to a narco-terrorist organization during a joint operation in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Authorities said intelligence confirmed that the vessel was operating as a floating refueling station supporting drug trafficking routes and directly assisting Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent criminal organizations.

The vessel allegedly served as a logistical support point for illicit maritime trafficking operations.