US Southern Command, 3 September 2026

Disrupting and dismantling narco-terrorist networks in the Western Hemisphere:

This bust is another demonstration of the United States' resolve to stop the flow of dangerous drugs into the homeland. @DeptofWar https://t.co/2CHwUidewa

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) September 3, 2026

On Sep. 3, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, and in coordination and collaboration with the Government of Ecuador, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully interdicted a vessel operating as a floating refueling station in support… pic.twitter.com/oz6LfbbBYF

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) September 4, 2026

… of illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization.

Littoral Combat Force 24 launched from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), interdicted, boarded, searched, and cleared the vessel without incident. Individuals removed from the vessel will be safely transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. Once cleared, U.S. forces sank the vessel.

This interdiction cuts off a critical node in the traffickers' logistics chain and advances the goals of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) and JTF-WHEM to dismantle narco-terrorist networks. The Dept of War and the A3C remain unwavering in their mission to defeat narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere and defend our homeland.