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U.S. forces operating under Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere interdicted and destroyed a vessel functioning as a floating refueling station for illicit at-sea drug trafficking on Aug. 28 in international waters of the Eastern Pacific, acting at the direction of U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan and in coordination with the Government of Ecuador. Intelligence confirmed the ship, previously identified and targeted under Department of the Treasury sanctions, was operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization.
U.S. Marines and Sailors launched from USS San Antonio (LPD 17) boarded, searched, and cleared the vessel without incident. Individuals removed from the ship were safely escorted to Ecuador, and once cleared, U.S. forces sank the vessel.
Officials said the interdiction severs a critical node in traffickers’ logistics and advances the goals of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) and JTF-WHEM to dismantle narco-terrorist networks. The Department of War and the A3C remain unwavering in their mission to defeat narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere and defend the homeland.
“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.” — U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan
