ecuador Releases Survivor of U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Submersible
QUITO, Ecuador – Ecuador on Monday released a survivor of a recent U.S. military strike on a submersible vessel suspected of carrying drugs,reaffirming its commitment to the global fight against drug trafficking. The release follows escalating tensions between the United states,Colombia,and Venezuela over a series of similar incidents.
The survivor, a colombian national, was seriously wounded in the September 16 strike and will be prosecuted in Colombia for alleged drug trafficking, according to the Colombian government. This incident marks at least the seventh of its kind since September, resulting in at least 32 deaths. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized the strikes, asserting the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” against drug cartels,invoking legal reasoning similar to that used by the George W. Bush governance following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa addressed president Trump on X, stating, “President Trump, Ecuador remains firm in the global fight against drug trafficking.” He emphasized the need for “unity among nations committed to peace and prosperity” to address the challenge.
Trump has stated that two people on board the struck vessel were killed, and the two survivors are being repatriated “for detention and prosecution.” The majority of drugs flowing into the U.S. are believed to transit thru Mexico.
The strikes have triggered a diplomatic crisis,notably after Trump labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro “an illegal drug leader” and “a lunatic” following Petro’s accusation that the U.S. government killed a Colombian citizen in the September 16 strike.colombia has as recalled its ambassador to the United States in response to the escalating rhetoric.
