Ecuador backs US sinking of drug-running vessels in joint naval operation
Ecuador has defended a joint operation with the US Navy that resulted in the sinking of vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The action has drawn international attention.
Ecuador and US sink suspected drug vessels in joint anti-narcotics operation
Ecuador has publicly defended the sinking of vessels by the United States Navy as part of a joint counter-narcotics operation, Google News IE — Crime (en) reports, citing Al Jazeera coverage of the incident.
Ecuadorian authorities described the action as a coordinated effort between Ecuadorian and American forces targeting drug trafficking routes in the region. The government said the vessels were suspected of being used to transport narcotics.
The operation reflects ongoing cooperation between Ecuador and the United States in combating drug smuggling, which has intensified in recent years as trafficking networks have expanded their maritime activity along the Pacific coast of South America.
No further details on casualties, the number of vessels destroyed, or the specific location of the operation were made available in the sourced reporting. Ecuador has faced significant pressure from criminal organisations linked to the international drug trade, with the country declaring an internal armed conflict in response to escalating cartel violence.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)