U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced a significant operation to combat drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. On September 8, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully intercepted and sank a vessel described as a ‘floating refueling station’ supporting illicit drug trafficking activities.
SOUTHCOM confirmed that the vessel was associated with the Los Choneros, a violent narco-terrorist organization. Individuals onboard were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. Once the ship was cleared and its crew disembarked, U.S. forces took decisive action to sink it.
A video released by SOUTHCOM shows the operation, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to dismantle logistical networks fueling drug trafficking in the region. This action marks another successful interdiction of vessels serving as refueling stations for Los Choneros, a group recognized as a foreign terrorist organization.
SOUTHCOM noted, ‘JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking.’
Los Choneros is a significant contributor to the destabilizing violence in Ecuador, engaging in various violent and criminal activities such as hired killings, kidnappings, political assassinations, and the trafficking of weapons, explosives, and drugs. The group utilizes prisons and illegal gold mines as bases and collaborates with the Mexico-based Sinaloa Cartel and Albanian cartels to facilitate global drug shipments.
Reporter Alex Nitzberg provides coverage for Fox News Digital.