By Zoila Palma: Ecuador has defended U.S. operations that intercepted and sank three Ecuadorean vessels this week, saying the actions were part of joint investigations targeting maritime drug trafficking.
Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said the vessels were allegedly being used as floating refueling stations to support speedboats transporting drugs north toward Mexico and the United States, Reuters report.
The U.S. Southern Command said the vessels were linked to the Los Choneros criminal gang and were being used to facilitate drug trafficking. Military footage released by the U.S. showed operatives approaching and boarding a vessel before it was destroyed at sea.
Relatives of some crew members have disputed the official account, saying the men were fishermen and that no drugs were found aboard the vessels.
Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Navy said 28 crew members from two vessels, the Conquista II and OM2, arrived in Manta aboard a coast guard vessel. Nine crew members were from the Conquista II and 19 from the OM2, while another eight crew members from the Conquista II were still returning to port aboard another vessel.
The post International News: Ecuador defends U.S. sinkings of vessels in joint anti-drug operation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Ecuador has defended U.S. operations that intercepted and sank three Ecuadorean vessels this week, saying the actions were part of joint investigations targeting maritime drug trafficking. Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said the vessels were allegedly being used as floating refueling stations to support speedboats transporting drugs north toward Mexico and the
The post International News: Ecuador defends U.S. sinkings of vessels in joint anti-drug operation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
