US and Ecuador strike fuel tanker used by Los Choneros cartel in Eastern Pacific
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US and Ecuadorian forces boarded and sank a fuel supply vessel used by the Los Choneros cartel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. The operation targeted the cartel's maritime logistics network, and the crew was handed over to Ecuadorian authorities.
Key Facts
- The operation was conducted by US Southern Command (SouthCom) and Ecuadorian forces in international waters of the Eastern Pacific.
- The vessel had previously been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department.
- The crew was evacuated and handed over to the Ecuadorian government before the vessel was sunk.
- SouthCom commander General Francis L. Donovan called the operation a practical result of regional cooperation against narco-terrorism.
The Operation
US and Ecuadorian forces conducted an operation against a fuel supply vessel used by the Los Choneros cartel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. American military personnel operating from the USS San Antonio boarded the fuel supply vessel. The individuals on board were handed over to the Ecuadorian government. The vessel was subsequently sunk after being emptied.
Logistics Disruption
The vessel had previously been placed on a sanctions list by the US Treasury Department. Fuel supply vessels are a critical logistical resource for small boats traveling long distances. Removing this link from the chain affects the cartel's transportation capacity. The operation targeted the cartel's logistics network rather than individuals.
Regional Cooperation
The operation was carried out with the support of the Ecuadorian government. SouthCom commander General Francis L. Donovan stated that the joint operation with Ecuadorians is a practical result of regional cooperation against narco-terrorism. The United States is seeking to strengthen security partnerships with regional states. The Los Choneros group is known as one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Ecuador, linked to drug trafficking and other organized crime.
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US and Ecuador strike fuel tanker used by Los Choneros cartel in Eastern Pacific
