U.S. and Ecuadorian Forces Sink Alleged Drug-Trafficking Refueling Ship in Pacific

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The U.S. military, in collaboration with Ecuadorian authorities, successfully intercepted and destroyed a ship on Friday that was purportedly serving as a refueling point for drug-trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, as reported by U.S. Southern Command.

The targeted vessel, located in international waters close to Ecuador, was allegedly functioning as a mobile refueling platform for boats associated with the Los Choneros criminal organization.

Marines and sailors from the USS San Antonio boarded the ship and secured it without any confrontation, according to SOCOM. The individuals found on the ship were transported to Ecuador, and the U.S. subsequently destroyed the vessel using an airstrike. SOCOM also released footage of the ship being sunk.

General Francis L. Donovan, SOCOM Commander, stated that the operation exemplifies the effectiveness of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition in disrupting the complex and covert operations of narco-terrorists. He emphasized the coalition’s dedication to eradicating narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.

This action is part of a broader U.S. campaign against alleged drug traffickers, which has resulted in at least 227 deaths in 68 strikes since the Trump administration initiated the campaign nearly a year ago.

Ecuadorian officials have long been engaged in a struggle against the Los Choneros gang, which has been led by José Adolfo Macías Villamar. Macías, who escaped from prison in 2024, was recaptured and extradited to the U.S. in 2025, where he awaits trial on drug and weapons charges.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)