On Sept. 2, at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, and in coordination and collaboration with the Government of Ecuador, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully interdicted a vessel operating as a floating refueling station in support of illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization.

U.S. Marines and Sailors, launched from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), interdicted, boarded, searched, and cleared the vessel without incident. Individuals removed from the vessel were safely transferred to Ecuadorian Authorities. Once cleared, U.S. forces sank the vessel

We must uphold the principle that the people of the Middle East are the masters of their own affairs, oppose external interference and support regional countries in strengthening dialogue on peace and security.