Interdiction of Narco-Terrorist Refueling Vessel, Sept. 5, 2026

On Sept. 5, at the direction of U.S. Southern Command, Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) forces successfully interdicted a multi-vessel floating refueling station in support of illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.

Intelligence confirmed the vessels were operating in support of the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. 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.

JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.