Fishers say they are losing their livelihoods after a US strike on a boat, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends the campaign.
More than 30 Ecuadorian nationals were arrested on suspicion of belonging to a group authorities said had a direct connection to Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Trump administration will seek additional funding from Congress to dismantle the group, according to The Guardian.
The US secretary of state also announced new sanctions during a visit to Quito, according to France 24.
The US military reported intercepting and sinking a floating refueling station in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which it said was connected to a criminal organization based in Ecuador.
Secretary of State Rubio called Ecuador the US's 'most involved and aggressive partner' against drug trafficking, according to Al Jazeera.
Relatives of eight Ecuadorian fishermen who disappeared after reporting US surveillance activity at sea are demanding answers, according to Al Jazeera.
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.