03.09.2026 09:41
The US military sank a boat in the Eastern Pacific on the grounds that it supported drug trafficking. While the crew was evacuated to Ecuador, the boat was alleged to belong to the Los Choneros gang. Such operations bring with them debates over 'extrajudicial killings'.
The US military intercepted a vessel it alleged was supporting drug trafficking activities in the Eastern Pacific. After US troops searched the vessel, they evacuated those on board to Ecuador, then sank the boat.
The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) issued a statement regarding the operation conducted in the Eastern Pacific.
The statement alleged that the vessel in question was "operating as a floating fuel supply station to support drug trafficking activities."
US TROOPS BOARDED THE VESSEL
It was reported that US troops boarded the vessel to conduct a search, and the individuals found on board were evacuated to Ecuador.
It was stated that following the operation, the vessel was sunk by the US military.
LOS CHONEROS ALLEGATION
SOUTHCOM claimed that intelligence obtained indicated the vessel was supporting the Los Choneros gang, one of Ecuador's most widespread criminal organizations.
The statement regarding the operation did not provide detailed information on how the vessel was used in drug trafficking.
US OPERATIONS UNDER DEBATE
The US military's recent direct targeting of some vessels and their occupants in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean under the claim of drug trafficking is sparking "extrajudicial execution" debates in the international public opinion.
In this operation, it was reported that after the individuals on board were evacuated, the vessel was sunk.