The U.S. intercepts and sinks a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking from Ecuador

U.S. forces intercepted and sank a vessel in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. According to the U.S. Southern Command, the boat was being used to refuel operations linked to an Ecuadorian criminal organization involved in drug trafficking. The operation was confirmed by officials in Washington on September 15. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. forces to disrupt maritime logistics networks utilized by transnational criminal groups operating out of Ecuador.