# US, Ecuador forces strike alleged drug-smuggling boat

https://mins.news/en/item/36500

- DW, 2026-08-29 08:37 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/us-ecuador-forces-strike-alleged-drug-smuggling-boat/a-78555711?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> The US military says American and Ecuadorian forces destroyed an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific. US Southern Command said the boat operated as a floating refueling station supporting Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang, while the Trump administration has not provided definitive evidence that targeted vessels carried illegal drugs.

## Related coverage

- [Return of Trump’s boat-strike campaign reignites questions over legality and usefulness](https://mins.news/en/item/38984) — ABC News, 2026-08-31
- [CARTEL CRACKDOWN: DEA, SOUTHCOM push to dismantle Ecuadorian drug networks](https://mins.news/en/video/38352) — Fox News, 2026-08-31