U.S. takes out refueling station for alleged drug-trafficking boats
Summary
The U.S. military and Ecuadorian officials sank a boat that acted as a refueling station for drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation targeted a drug cartel known as Los Choneros and aimed to disrupt their drug transport routes.Key Facts
- The boat was in international waters near Ecuador and used to refuel drug boats at sea.
- U.S. Marines and sailors from the USS San Antonio boarded the boat without resistance.
- The people on the boat were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities before the U.S. sank the vessel with an airstrike.
- The drug cartel involved is called Los Choneros, named after the city of Chone in Ecuador.
- Los Choneros have been involved in violent gang wars in Ecuador's cities like Quito and Guayaquil.
- José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a leader of Los Choneros, escaped jail in 2024 but was recaptured and extradited to the U.S. in 2025.
- Since President Trump started targeting drug traffickers about a year ago, U.S. strikes on drug boats have killed at least 227 people in 68 attacks.
- This action is part of a larger effort by the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition to stop drug trafficking in the region.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
