Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a coordinated effort with Ecuador, U.S. forces intercepted a vessel in the Eastern Pacific's international waters on August 28, identified as a floating refueling station for illicit drug trafficking.

The operation was executed by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) under Gen. Francis L. Donovan of the U.S. Southern Command.

Connection to Los Choneros Gang

Intelligence suggested that the vessel had been previously targeted under sanctions from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and was linked to the Los Choneros narco-terrorist group.

U.S. Marines and Sailors deployed from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) effectively intercepted, boarded, and searched the vessel without any complications.

Safe Return of Individuals to Ecuador

After securing the vessel, the individuals on board were safely escorted back to Ecuador, while the U.S. forces sank the vessel.

This operation thwarted a crucial link in the logistics chain of the traffickers, aligning with the aims of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) and JTF-WHEM to dismantle narco-terrorist operations within the region.

Gen. Donovan's Remarks on the Operation

Gen. Francis L. Donovan emphasized that this operation highlighted the Coalition's capability to disrupt the covert operations of narco-terrorist organizations targeting American communities.

He lauded the joint efforts with Ecuador and characterized the mission as a significant blow against a narco-terrorist faction responsible for large drug shipments in the area.

Donovan reaffirmed that the United States and its partners remain devoted to eradicating narco-terrorist groups across the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. Department of War and the A3C confirmed their ongoing commitment to confront narco-terrorism in the region and safeguard U.S. homeland security.

#world news #US News #Global Updates