Screengrab from X video U.S. forces sank a floating vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Monday after authorities said it had been helping boats involved in maritime drug trafficking. The operation targeted what U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) described as a fuel-support vessel connected to Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most powerful criminal organisations. Personnel aboard the vessel were taken off before the ship was sent to the bottom. The people removed from the vessel are expected to be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. The mission was carried out by Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), which was activated by SOUTHCOM in August to deal with security threats and crises across the Western Hemisphere. Vessel supplied boats operating at sea Floating fuel vessels can support drug-running boats without requiring them to return to shore for fuel. That allows smaller vessels to remain at sea for longer periods and travel farther along trafficking routes. Boats moving cocaine from South America toward Central America and Mexico depend on fuel and other supplies to cover those distances. SOUTHCOM said intelligence had identified the vessel as part of Los Choneros’ maritime support network. The command also released video showing the U.S. operation. SOUTHCOM said JTF-WHEM was continuing operations to disrupt the support systems used by drug traffickers in the region. On Sept. 7, under the direction of #SOUTHCOM , Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) forces successfully interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence confirmed the vessel’s… pic.twitter.com/nfGfy8KTUY — U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) September 7, 2026 US targets similar vessels The action follows two other operations reported by SOUTHCOM in recent days. On Sept. 5, U.S. forces stopped a group of vessels that the military said was being used to provide fuel for Los Choneros-linked