US Forces Sink Los Choneros Refueling Vessel in Pacific After Removing Crew

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 8

U.S. forces on Monday interdicted and sank a floating refueling vessel in the Eastern Pacific that SOUTHCOM said supported Los Choneros' at-sea drug trafficking operations.
The crew was removed before the vessel was destroyed and will be handed over to Ecuadorian authorities, according to U.S. Southern Command.
SOUTHCOM said the operation was carried out by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, which was activated in August to disrupt trafficking networks and bolster regional security.
The strike fits a broader Trump administration campaign that has launched dozens of actions against suspected drug-smuggling boats bound for the United States.
Los Choneros was designated a foreign terrorist organization last week, following July's extradition of leader Fito Macias from Ecuador to face U.S. charges.