U.S. military sinks vessel in Pacific tied to Ecuadorian drug gang

The U.S. military said Monday it sank a floating refueling vessel in the Pacific Ocean and apprehended the crew members who were part of an Ecuadorian drug crime ring.

U.S. Southern Command said the crew was operating the vessel for the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization and its members will be turned over to authorities in Ecuador.

A military task force “continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere," SOUTHCOM wrote on X.

“Intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. Individuals removed from the vessel will be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing the vessel and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it,” the post added.