# Ecuador defends US sinking of vessels in joint anti-drug operation

https://mins.news/en/item/46220

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-05 01:46 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/5/ecuador-defends-us-sinking-of-vessels-as-joint-anti-drug-operation?traffic_source=rss

> Ecuador says the US sinking of three vessels accused of supporting drug trafficking was part of joint investigations with Washington targeting criminal gangs. Relatives of detained crew members dispute the allegations, saying the men were fishermen and that US forces found no drugs.

## Related coverage

- [US military sinks vessel supporting drug cartel in Pacific](https://mins.news/en/item/48927) — TASS, 2026-09-07
- [US detains Ecuador boat crew as families deny drug-trafficking claims](https://mins.news/en/video/46589) — Al Jazeera English, 2026-09-05
- [Ecuador says vessel sinkings were part of joint U.S. drug probe](https://mins.news/en/item/45899) — Reuters, 2026-09-04