On Sept. 16, under the direction of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, U.S. forces successfully interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.
Intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. Individuals removed from the vessel have been transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing the vessel and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it.
JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling 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 citizensāfrom Ecuador to the United Statesāsafer." - SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan
This is the seventh similar strike on a refueling station since August 29 according to the U.S. Southern Command.