U.S. Forces Sink Drug-Trafficking Vessel in Pacific

The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced a significant operation involving the sinking of a vessel linked to drug trafficking. On September 8, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) intercepted a vessel allegedly used as a refueling station for illicit drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, according to SOUTHCOM’s statement.

SOUTHCOM’s intelligence identified the vessel’s involvement with Los Choneros, a violent narco-terrorist organization. The individuals on the vessel were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing and evacuating the crew, U.S. forces sank the vessel.

A video released by SOUTHCOM shows the vessel being sunk on September 8, 2026.

JTF-WHEM continues its operations to dismantle logistical networks supporting narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to target vessels linked to Los Choneros, recognized as a foreign terrorist organization.

Los Choneros is a significant source of violence in Ecuador. The organization is involved in varied criminal activities like hired killings, kidnappings, political assassinations, and the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and drugs.

The group’s operations extend beyond Ecuador. Los Choneros utilizes prisons and illegal gold mines as bases and collaborates with other criminal organizations like the Mexico-based Sinaloa Cartel and Albanian cartels to facilitate global drug shipments.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.