US Sinks Three Ecuadorian Vessels, Ecuador Defends Action

On Friday, Ecuador defended US operations this week in which three Ecuadorian vessels were seized and sunk. The government said the vessels were being used to facilitate drug smuggling, though relatives of some crew members denied this, insisting they were fishermen.

According to Ecuador's government, the operations resulted from a joint investigation with Washington into the logistics of drug gangs. Interior Minister John Reimberg said the vessels were used to refuel speedboats that transport drugs north to Mexico and the United States.

US Southern Command stated that the vessels were linked to the Los Choneros gang and were used to refuel speedboats involved in drug smuggling.

However, relatives of the crew members disputed the official account. The wife of one of the men stated that the crew was fishing and that no drugs were found on board. She added that the operation took place in Ecuadorian waters, not international waters. Reuters was unable to independently verify her claims.

The Ecuadorian Navy announced that 28 crew members from the two vessels had already returned to the port of Manta, while another eight were on their way.

(Reuters, lud)