Mystery attacks on Ecuadorian fishing boats linked to CIA

A new report says the CIA was behind several mysterious strikes on Ecuadorian fishing boats earlier this year, including one incident that led to eight fishermen going missing after a January attack on the 52-foot Fiorella. Survivors described unidentified English-speaking assailants using drones, with a surveillance plane appearing to track the vessels before each strike. The Washington Post reports the operations were part of a U.S. “covert action” program approved by the president, though details about the CIA’s public role remain unclear. Data also showed a maritime patrol aircraft linked to El Salvador flew toward all three boats. The incidents are separate from the U.S. campaign against “narco boats” in the Caribbean.