U.S. and Ecuador intercept another Los Choneros-linked vessel in the eastern Pacific

U.S. and Ecuadorian forces intercepted another vessel linked to Los Choneros in the eastern Pacific, targeting what authorities described as a floating refueling station for illicit drug-trafficking activity.

The operation took place in international waters on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force carried it out under the direction of U.S. Southern Command commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, in coordination with the Ecuadorian government.

U.S. intelligence services determined that the vessel supported operations by Los Choneros, an organized crime group. The Littoral Combat Force 24 sailed from the USS San Antonio to conduct the interception.

U.S. personnel intercepted, boarded, searched and secured the vessel without incident, according to the authorities’ account. The people found aboard were removed and were to be safely handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. Once the vessel had been cleared, U.S. forces sank it.

The United States said the operation disrupted a node in the logistics chain used by drug-trafficking organizations. It formed part of the objectives of the Americas Coalition Against Cartels and the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force, which seek to dismantle networks U.S. authorities describe as narco-terrorist organizations.