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Ecuador Defends US Sinking of Vessels as Joint Anti-Drug Operation

Ecuadorian officials say a US-led maritime operation that sank vessels was part of joint anti-narcotics efforts, as families of detained crew members dispute the smuggling allegations.

5 Sep 2026, 10:30 AM · 1 min read · language: en
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Ecuador's government has defended the sinking of vessels by United States forces, describing the action as part of a joint anti-drug operation, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The report states that relatives of crew members detained in connection with the incident have disputed the official account, saying the men were fishermen and not drug smugglers as alleged.

According to Al Jazeera, family members contend that US forces acted without presenting evidence to support claims that the vessels were involved in narcotics trafficking.

Details regarding the location, timing, and number of vessels involved in the operation, as well as the specific allegations against the detained crew, were not fully specified in the available reporting.

Al Jazeera's report indicates that the incident has raised questions from affected families about the basis for the US action and the treatment of those detained.

This report is based on information provided in Al Jazeera's coverage of the incident. Further details from Ecuadorian or US authorities regarding the operation were not immediately available.

Sources

EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.

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Ecuador Defends US Sinking of Vessels as Joint Anti-Drug Operation | EGazette