Current Affairs

U.S. operations sink three Ecuadorean vessels in joint anti-drug campaign

Ecuador's government defended U.S. operations that intercepted and sank three Ecuadorean vessels on Sept. 3, stating they were part of joint investigations targeting drug-smuggling logistics linked to criminal gangs. However, relatives of crew members disputed the account, claiming the men were fishermen and no drugs were found. The U.S. Southern Command said the vessels were being used as floating refueling stations for drug trafficking linked to the Los Choneros gang. The Ecuadorean Navy reported 28 crew members from two vessels—nine from the Conquista II and 19 from the OM2—arrived in Manta at 3 p.m. local time.