Story perspectives

U.S. and Ecuador Sink Refueling Vessel Supporting Los Choneros

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. and Ecuador forces sank a floating refueling vessel near Ecuador on Aug. 28.
U.S. Southern Command said the ship supported the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization.
Gen. Francis Donovan called the strike a decisive blow to drug-trafficking logistics.
Marines and sailors from USS San Antonio boarded the vessel, took its crew to Ecuador, and an airstrike sank it.
The operation follows Ecuador’s March entry into President Donald Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” anti-drug coalition.

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Story summary

U.S. and Ecuador forces sank a floating refueling vessel near Ecuador on Aug. 28.
U.S. Southern Command said the ship supported the Los Choneros narco-terrorist organization.
Gen. Francis Donovan called the strike a decisive blow to drug-trafficking logistics.
Marines and sailors from USS San Antonio boarded the vessel, took its crew to Ecuador, and an airstrike sank it.
The operation follows Ecuador’s March entry into President Donald Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” anti-drug coalition.