U.S. Military Sinks Drug Trafficking Vessel

The U.S. military sank a vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Friday that was reportedly used as a refueling station by drug traffickers, according to officials.

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) shared details about the operation, which was led by Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Reports indicated that the vessel was targeted during a joint effort with Ecuadorian authorities.

SOUTHCOM’s social media update mentioned:

“Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully intercepted a vessel acting as a floating refueling station for drug trafficking operations in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence revealed that this vessel, which had already been identified and sanctioned by the Department of the Treasury, was supporting the Los Choneros cartel, known for its violent activities.”

“U.S. Marines and Sailors, deployed from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17), boarded and cleared the vessel without any incidents. Those found on board were safely transported to Ecuador. After ensuring everything was secure, the U.S. forces sank the vessel.”

SOUTHCOM noted that this operation disrupts an essential element in the drug traffickers’ supply chain, contributing to the objectives of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) and JTF-WHEM, which aim to dismantle narco-terror networks. The statement reinforced the U.S. commitment to combat narco-terrorists across the Western Hemisphere and protect the homeland.

There was also a mention of video footage showing the moment authorities targeted and destroyed the vessel:

In June 2025, with U.S. assistance, Ecuadorian law enforcement apprehended one of the country’s most prominent drug lords, Jose Adolfo “Fito” Macias, head of the Los Choneros cartel, as reported by multiple sources.

The U.S. Department of State had previously designated Los Choneros as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and labeled its leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) in 2025.

The State Department emphasized that, in collaboration with Ecuador and President Daniel Noboa, the U.S. will continue its efforts to keep illicit drugs off the streets and disrupt the financial engines fueling cartel activities. They stated that this recent action exemplifies the ongoing commitment to dismantling drug cartels and ensuring public safety.