US sinks vessel SOUTHCOM linked to Los Choneros
US forces, in coordination with Ecuador, intercepted and sank a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), it was used as a floating refueling station for the illegal transportation of drugs.
Vessel inspection
As Anadolu Agency reports, US Marines and sailors departed the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), boarded the vessel and inspected it in international waters.
The people removed from the vessel were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities for further action. After the inspection was completed, US forces sank the vessel to prevent its further use.
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SOUTHCOM statements
SOUTHCOM stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating in support of Los Choneros, an Ecuadorian violent narco-terrorist organization. SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis Donovan described the operation as a step toward disrupting sophisticated logistics networks used to transport drugs.
According to the command's assessment, the interception eliminated a critically important link in drug traffickers' supply chain. Donovan also stated that the precision of the Joint Task Force's actions demonstrates Washington's intent to increase systematic pressure on criminal networks.
In September 2025, the United States added Los Choneros to the lists of foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.
