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“Ecuador has defended a US operation this week that sank three vessels accused of sustaining drug-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.”

“Ecuador says US sinkings of vessels were part of joint anti-drug probe QUITO, Sept 4 - Ecuador defended on Friday U.S. operations that intercepted and sank three Ecuadorean vessels this week, while relatives of some crew members said the men were fishermen…”

“Also, rather than unilateral US attacks, the new wave of operations has the open support of Ecuador’s far-right president, Daniel Noboa, who is calling them “joint operations”.”

“US President Donald Trump’s administration, which frames the operations against the boats as part of a military conflict, said they are necessary to prevent the flow of lethal drugs into the United States.”

“Another step in that direction came on August 4 , when the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the creation of the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force, which will “synchronise U.S. military operations with allies and partners to counter threats,…”

“The announcement comes as the U.S. has ramped up attacks against fishermen in the Caribbean and the Pacific, killing more than 200, as part of the Trump administration's push to expand joint anti-drug trafficking operations in Latin America.”