Eastern Pacific – U.S. forces interdicted a floating refueling station on September 15 that was supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations.

The operation was conducted under the direction of U.S. Southern Command by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere forces. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved with the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization.

Individuals removed from the vessel will be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After the crew was disembarked and the vessel cleared, U.S. forces sank it.

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

“We are exerting unrelenting pressure on these narco-terrorists and hurting them where it counts: dismantling their intricate networks, disrupting their sophisticated logistics, and dealing a blow to their finances. This is what total systemic friction looks like,” said Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command.

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