Ecuador confirms ship sinkings tied to joint US anti-drug operation

Ecuador's government stated that the sinking of vessels in the Eastern Pacific is part of a joint investigation with the United States, marking an escalation in the US-led maritime counter-narcotics campaign. The statement confirms official involvement but leaves unclear the legal basis and rules of engagement for such sinkings. This signals deeper US-Ecuador security cooperation and a more aggressive posture against drug trafficking in the region.