US sinks Ecuadorian vessel it says was linked to Los Choneros

Key Points:

• The U.S. Southern Command sank another Ecuadorian vessel allegedly linked to the criminal group Los Choneros, marking the fifth such strike in less than two weeks targeting drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.
• The intercepted vessel served as a floating refueling station supporting illicit drug trafficking, with all personnel on board removed and transferred to Ecuadorian authorities.
• Previous strikes included the fishing vessels María Candelaria, Conquista II, OM2, and Los Tres Hermanos, all identified by the U.S. as part of Los Choneros' drug trafficking network; some crew members remain missing, raising concerns about the strikes' legality and effectiveness.
• Since the operations began over a year ago, at least 227 people have died in 68 U.S. strikes against boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, prompting criticism and questions regarding evidence of criminal involvement in some cases.
• The U.S. is seeking to expand its anti-crime offensive onto land in Latin America through agreements with allied countries, though some partner nations have denied such deals, while Ecuador has already launched joint missions with the U.S. since March.