Video: U.S. Sinks Another 'Floating Station' in the Pacific Linked to Drug Trafficking
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
The United States intercepted and subsequently sank a floating refueling station on Wednesday that, according to Southern Command, supported drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific and was linked to the Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros, in a new operation coordinated with Ecuador. Southern Command shared a video of the operation and stated on its X account that the forces of the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully intercepted 'a floating refueling station that supported illicit drug trafficking operations at sea in the Eastern Pacific.' According to Southern Command, 'intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the violent narcoterrorist organization Los Choneros.' They reported that individuals removed from the vessel have been transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing the ship and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it. Footage captured the moment the vessel exploded in Pacific waters. Southern Command added that JTF-WHEM continues to conduct operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. 'Alongside our Ecuadorian partners, we are relentlessly pursuing the narcoterrorists that threaten 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,' stated Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. This operation adds to a series of U.S. interdictions of vessels allegedly used as floating refueling stations in the Eastern Pacific. Just a day earlier, a similar action took place on Tuesday. Southern Command has reported other operations of this kind on August 28 and September 2, 7, and 8, several of which are related to Los Choneros.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
