World News

U.S. military intercepts and destroys alleged drug-refueling vessel in eastern Pacific

U.S. Southern Command said the boat supported the Ecuadorian gang Los Choneros and transferred its occupants to authorities in Ecuador.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 12:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed a vessel in international waters of the eastern Pacific that officials alleged served as a floating refueling station for the Ecuadorian gang Los Choneros.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Ecuadorian government, and those aboard were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities.
Relatives of local fishermen in Manta, Ecuador, are seeking information regarding a missing crew after losing contact following reports of approaching military craft.
The action is part of the ongoing U.S. counter-narcotics campaign Operation Southern Spear, under which strikes have resulted in over 200 deaths in the past year.

U.S. Southern Command intercepted and sank a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, stating it served as an at-sea refueling station for the criminal organization Los Choneros.[CBS News]
The people aboard the intercepted vessel were transferred to the custody of Ecuadorian authorities following the operation.[CBS News]
The strike follows a similar U.S. operation conducted days prior that destroyed another vessel linked to the same organization.[CBS News]
Strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific under Operation Southern Spear have killed more than 200 people over the past year, according to a tally by AFP.[CBS News]

It remains unverified whether the vessel destroyed by the U.S. military is the same boat whose crew lost contact with relatives in Manta, Ecuador.[CBS News]
The U.S. administration has not publicly provided definitive evidence establishing that targeted vessels are engaged in drug trafficking.[CBS News]