Kathmandu— Ecuador's government has defended a joint US-Ecuador operation that sank three vessels accused of supporting drug-trafficking activities in the Eastern Pacific, with officials stating the vessels were refueling points for speedboats moving narcotics toward Mexico and the United States, while relatives of detained crew members claim the men were fishermen and not involved in smuggling.

Joint Operation Details

Ecuador’s government confirmed the interception and sinking of the vessels as part of a coordinated effort with the United States targeting drug-smuggling operations linked to criminal gangs, particularly the Los Choneros gang.

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated the operation successfully interdicted a vessel operating as a floating refueling station for illicit drug trafficking, with U.S. forces boarding the vessel before sinking it at sea. SOUTHCOM reported that individuals removed from the vessel were transferred to Ecuadorian authorities, after which the vessel was destroyed.

The incidents mark the latest developments in the Trump administration’s maritime anti-drug campaign, which has drawn regional concern over the use of lethal force in international waters.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.