Washington, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : The U.S. military’s efforts against drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific are ongoing. Under the direction of the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WH) conducted another operation on Wednesday, targeting a floating refueling station used for maritime drug smuggling.
Southcom reported on the social media platform X that the JTF-WH successfully intercepted the floating fuel supply center on Wednesday based on intelligence gathered about its involvement in drug trafficking activities.
According to Southcom, the vessel was linked to the Los Choneros, a violent narco-terrorist organization. The individuals aboard were detained and subsequently handed over to Ecuadorian authorities. After thoroughly searching the ship and safely disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank the vessel in the ocean.
Southcom emphasized that the JTF-WH continues to carry out precise and professional operations aimed at dismantling logistical networks that facilitate drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.
General Francis L. Donovan, commander of Southcom, stated, “We are relentlessly pursuing those narco-terrorists who harm our citizens, undermine security across the region, and leave death and suffering in their wake. This carefully planned operation, conducted within the bounds of the law, saves lives and enhances the safety of our citizens from Ecuador to the United States.”
On Tuesday, the U.S. Southern Command executed another operation against drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, further sinking a floating refueling station.
Earlier, on September 7, the JTF-WH successfully intercepted and sank another vessel supporting illegal drug trafficking activities in the Eastern Pacific, also under Southcom’s direction. After detaining the crew, they were turned over to Ecuadorian authorities, and the ship was subsequently sunk following a thorough inspection.
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