The U.S. military, operating close to Ecuador, has successfully intercepted and destroyed several commercial ships believed to be used for refueling boats involved in drug smuggling to the United States. Unlike many similar operations, this one concluded without any casualties.
This marks the fourth such interdiction targeting vessels used as floating refueling platforms in the eastern Pacific. A U.S. official confirmed no injuries occurred during the operation, reflecting a focus on minimizing harm while hindering narcotics trafficking.
The mission is part of U.S. Southern Command’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smugglers in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This campaign, initiated over a year ago, represents a strategic move to disrupt smuggling activities in the region.
A social media video from the command showcased U.S. military involvement. It featured an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat approaching a larger civilian craft laden with fuel containers. A Marine Corps helicopter was also visible, hovering alongside the vessel.
The footage depicts the inflatable boat moving out of view, followed by an explosion striking the larger ship’s bow. Individuals aboard the refueling vessel were transferred to the custody of Ecuadorean authorities present for the operation.
Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious ship U.S.S. San Antonio participated, launching helicopters that fired munitions to sink accompanying vessels.
Southern Command, operating from South Florida, identified the refueling operation as managed by Los Choneros, which the State Department categorized as a “foreign terrorist organization” shortly after the campaign began in September 2025.
In total, the U.S. military has conducted 68 attacks on suspected drug smuggling ships in the region, resulting in 227 fatalities according to a New York Times analysis.
John Ismay, a reporter and former U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer, covers Pentagon matters for The Times.
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