US Navy sinks alleged drug-trafficking refueling station in Pacific near Ecuador

The U.S. military, in a joint operation with Ecuadorian authorities, has successfully dismantled a key component of a drug-trafficking network by sinking a vessel allegedly used as a floating refueling station. The operation took place in international waters near Ecuador and targeted boats associated with the notorious Los Choneros organization.

Marines and sailors from the USS San Antonio boarded the vessel without incident, removed its occupants, and then transferred them to Ecuadorian custody. Following the boarding, the U.S. military sank the ship using an airstrike, a move captured on video and released by U.S. Southern Command (SOCOM).

SOCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan stated that the operation exemplifies the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition's effectiveness in dismantling sophisticated narco-terrorist operations. He emphasized the commitment to defeating narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere through collaboration with regional partners.

“

Today's operation is a stark example of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition's power to dismantle the sophisticated, clandestine narco-terrorist tactics and capabilities that have enabled the trafficking of dangerous drugs destined for American communities. Working together with our Ecuadorian partners, our coalition dealt a decisive blow to a narco-terrorist operation responsible for moving significant amounts of drugs through the region. Together with our regional partners, we are committed to defeating narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere.

This interdiction is part of a larger, ongoing campaign by the U.S. to combat drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean. The operation follows recent strikes on alleged drug boats, bringing the total number of individuals killed in such strikes to at least 227 since the Trump administration initiated its "narcoterrorist" targeting initiative. The U.S. had previously paused these strikes for over two months before resuming them.

Ecuador has been grappling with the Los Choneros gang for years. The organization, based in western Ecuador, was once led by José Adolfo Macías Villamar, who escaped from prison in 2024 while serving a sentence for drug trafficking. His escape triggered widespread gang violence across major Ecuadorian cities, including Quito and Guayaquil.

“

Today's interdiction and sinking of a floating refueling station used for at-sea drug trafficking operations dealt a direct blow to the logistics network fueling narco-terrorists and cartels in the Western Hemisphere. By severing this critical maritime node, our Joint Force, …