QUITO, Ecuador — The U.S. Southern Command on Monday sank another Ecuadorian vessel that the U.S. alleged was linked to the criminal group Los Choneros.
\n\nIt was the latest action by the U.S. against boats and vessels in Latin America that it said were involved in drug trafficking.
\n\nThe joint task force intercepted a floating refueling station that supported illicit drug trafficking operations at sea in the Eastern Pacific, the Southern Command said in a statement.
\n\nIt added that the people on board the vessel were removed and will be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities.
\n\nA video accompanying the announcement showed military personnel boarding a boat, followed by a helicopter flying overhead and finally a projectile striking and sinking it.
\n\nThe statement also indicated that U.S. forces continue to conduct “precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks that fuel drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.”
\n\nEcuadorian authorities did not immediately comment.
\n\nThe sunken vessel, whose name has not been released, was the fifth targeted by U.S. forces in less than two weeks.
\n\nThe fishing vessel María Candelaria was struck last week in the Pacific, according to information from U.S. Southern Command, in coordination with Ecuadorian authorities.
\n\nThe Ecuadorian navy…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/
