U.S. Forces Intercept Drug-Smuggling Vessels Near Ecuador

U.S. military forces operating close to Ecuador intercepted and destroyed several commercial vessels suspected of being used to refuel boats smuggling drugs to the United States. This operation, conducted without causing any casualties, marked the fourth interdiction of such vessels in the eastern Pacific.

The U.S. Southern Command, which manages military operations in Central and South America, has been leading efforts to disrupt narcotics smuggling in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The campaign started a little over a year ago. Videos posted on social media by the command show an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat from the U.S. military approaching a larger civilian vessel. This civilian craft appears to have fuel containers on a raised open deck. A Marine Corps helicopter was seen hovering beside the vessel.

The video captures the inflatable boat leaving the frame before the larger vessel is shown as its bow explodes. Individuals from the refueling vessel were handed over to Ecuadorean officials, who were present during the operation. This information was provided by a U.S. official who chose to remain anonymous since they were not authorized to discuss the mission publicly.

The operation also involved personnel from the amphibious ship U.S.S. San Antonio, which launched helicopters to attack and sink other connected vessels. Southern Command, headquartered in South Florida, identified the refueling efforts as being managed by Los Choneros. The State Department recently designated them as a “foreign terrorist organization” following the start of the campaign against suspected smuggling vessels on September 2, 2025.

Since then, the U.S. military has conducted 68 operations targeting vessels linked to drug smuggling in the area, resulting in the death of 227 individuals according to an analysis by the New York Times.

John Ismay, a Times reporter covering the Pentagon, previously served as an explosive ordnance disposal officer in the U.S. Navy.