US forces interdict and sink floating refueling station in Eastern Pacific

Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere forces interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific under the direction of U.S. Southern Command. According to authorities, intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization. U.S. forces removed the crew to be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities and subsequently sank the vessel.

SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan stated that the operation exerted pressure on narco-terrorists by dismantling networks, disrupting logistics, and affecting finances.