US Navy sinks 8 Ecuadorian fishing vessels tied to Los Choneros in 3 weeks

US forces have destroyed eight Ecuadorian fishing vessels linked to the Los Choneros cartel in under three weeks, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who framed the operations as counter-narcotics rather than targeting fishermen. The scale and pace suggest an intensified maritime interdiction campaign in the Eastern Pacific, though details on rules of engagement and vessel status remain unclear. This marks a notable escalation in US military action against drug-trafficking assets in the region.