US sinks third suspected drug boat off Ecuador in a week; 200+ killed since 2025

US naval forces sank a third suspected drug-trafficking vessel off Ecuador within a week, part of an intensified campaign under the Trump administration that has killed over 200 people since early 2025. The operations, conducted in the Pacific and Caribbean, mark a significant escalation in direct interdiction tactics, raising concerns about civilian casualties and regional sovereignty. The exact rules of engagement and legal basis remain unclear, and Ecuador's response has not been detailed.