U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) forces carried out two separate interdictions in the eastern Pacific Ocean last week, destroying floating refueling stations that were supporting drug trafficking operations for a violent narco-terrorist organization, according to military statements.
Both vessels were “operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization,” SOUTHCOM said, as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the Western Hemisphere.
First Interdiction: Thursday
On Thursday, U.S. forces interdicted, boarded, and searched one of the floating refueling stations before completely destroying and sinking the vessel. Video released by SOUTHCOM shows the operation unfolding, with personnel boarding the ship before the destruction.
“Individuals removed from the vessel will be safely transferred to Ecuadorian authorities,” SOUTHCOM reported, highlighting the coordination with regional partners.
Second Interdiction: Saturday
Two days later, on Saturday, SOUTHCOM released additional footage from another interdiction involving a “multi-vessel” refueling station. This operation involved clearing the main vessel and disembarking the crew before U.S. forces sank the main vessel along with attached support vessels.
“Individuals removed from the main vessel have been transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. Once the main vessel was cleared and the crew disembarked, U.S. forces sank it and the attached support vessels,” SOUTHCOM said in a statement.
The operations were conducted by Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), which SOUTHCOM said “continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.”
Hegseth Highlights Military Action
War Secretary Pete Hegseth showcased the operations on social media, posting on X: “The new Southcom.” His post included video of the interdiction and destruction of the refueling stations.
The actions come amid a broader U.S. push against drug cartels, with the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition—also known as the Shield of the Americas—described as a multinational alliance dedicated to destroying cartels in the Western Hemisphere. The coalition includes the Department of War, according to SOUTHCOM.
The coalition has been expanding, as previously reported by The Gateway Pundit. Colombia’s new president, Abelardo ‘El Tigre’ de la Espriella, has asked for U.S. help in combating cartels and has joined the alliance.
The destruction of the refueling stations is part of a series of operations aimed at cutting off the logistical support that enables drug trafficking in the region. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of targeting infrastructure, not just individual traffickers, to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs.
Ecuadorian authorities have been receiving individuals removed from the vessels, reflecting the cooperative nature of these operations with Latin American nations that are often on the front lines of the drug trade.
The Gateway Pundit reported the news, with the original article authored by Jordan Conradson.
Source: www.thegatewaypundit.com — https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/09/watch-us-southern-command-forces-destroy-drug-trafficking/