Eastern Pacific – Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere forces interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations on September 16, 2026.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved with the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. Individuals removed from the vessel were transferred to Ecuadorian authorities.

After clearing the vessel and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it.

JTF-WHEM said it continues conducting precise and professional operations aimed at dismantling logistical networks supporting narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

“Alongside our Ecuadorian partners, we are relentlessly pursuing narco-terrorists who prey on our citizens, undermine hemispheric security, and leave death and suffering in their wake. This deliberate, lawful, and precise operation saves lives and makes our citizens—from Ecuador to the United States—safer,” said U.S. Southern Command commander Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

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