# ‘Handcuffed and blindfolded’: Is the US targeting Ecuadorian fishermen?

https://mins.news/en/item/54984

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-11 17:18 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/11/handcuffed-and-blindfolded-is-the-us-targeting-ecuadorian-fishermen?traffic_source=rss

> As Donald Trump expands his anti-drug campaign, a growing number of Ecuadorian fishermen say US forces have struck their boats. Fisherman Jose Hernan Flores says drones set his vessel ablaze in March, injuring two crew members, before US personnel handcuffed and blindfolded them. The US military denies responsibility for sinking his boat.

## Related coverage

- [Rubio says US will work with allies on drug trafficking as latest boat strike kills three](https://mins.news/en/item/52232) — The Guardian, 2026-09-10
- [Ecuador fishermen caught between US drug war and criminal groups](https://mins.news/en/video/51093) — Al Jazeera English, 2026-09-09