Overview
- The U.S. Southern Command said U.S. forces intercepted and sank a floating resupply vessel on Wednesday after removing the people aboard and turning them over to Ecuadorian authorities with no fatalities reported.
- The strike is the latest in a campaign that began in late August and has seen at least eight Ecuador-linked boats destroyed in roughly three weeks as Washington says the vessels served as logistical 'floating stations' for Los Choneros.
- U.S. marines have carried out boardings from fast boats launched by the amphibious ship USS San Antonio, and helicopters have used heavy weapons to destroy vessels after crews were removed.
- Ecuadorian courts have largely failed to secure narcotics convictions for detained crew members, many of whom have been released or given conditional release, while President Daniel Noboa has granted immunities to U.S. personnel operating in Ecuador.
- Investigative reporting and rights groups have raised allegations of covert CIA involvement, disappearances, and abuses, and family livestreams and released court records have fueled disputes over evidence and accountability.