US interdiction of refueling vessels comes with Ecuadorian consent
Since late last month, U.S. forces have stopped eight vessels, officials say, were involved in refueling drug boats traveling from South America, and those on board were handed off to Ecuadorian authorities, before the U.S. forces blew up the empty vessels.
TL;DR
- U.S. forces have stopped eight refueling vessels off Ecuador's coast since late August.
- These vessels were involved in refueling drug boats traveling from South America.
- Those on board were handed over to Ecuadorian authorities, and the empty vessels were destroyed by U.S. forces.
- The interdictions are conducted with Ecuador's consent and cooperation, unlike previous kinetic strikes.
- The U.S. is employing a "systemic friction" approach to disrupt drug threat networks at multiple points.
- The operation is part of a broader counternarcotics mission, including the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition.
- Previously, U.S. forces conducted kinetic strikes that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of mariners.
- The U.S. Southern Command estimated spending roughly $820 million on the mission.