Sinks an Ecuadorian boat in the Pacific it alleges is tied to drug trafficking

U.S. Southern Command sank another Ecuadorian vessel it alleged was linked to Los Choneros, according to an announcement Monday. The joint task force intercepted what the command described as a floating refueling station supporting illicit drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific. The people aboard were removed and scheduled to be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. A video released with the update showed personnel boarding the boat, a helicopter flying overhead, and a projectile striking and sinking the vessel. Southern Command said U.S. forces continue “precise and professional operations” to disrupt logistics fueling trafficking across the Western Hemisphere. The sunken ship was the fifth targeted in less than two weeks, and Ecuadorian authorities had not commented immediately.