Ecuador has released a survivor who was captured by US forces following a strike on a submarine believed to be carrying drugs in the Caribbean. The individual was freed because Ecuadorian authorities stated they found no evidence that he had committed a crime within their territory. This action follows a series of US military operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the region.
The US military captured the Ecuadorean national, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, along with a Colombian citizen, Jeison Obando Pérez, after the submarine they were on was attacked. US President Donald Trump had initially announced that both individuals would be sent back to their home countries for legal proceedings. However, Ecuador’s Attorney General’s office later clarified that Tufiño could not be detained due to a lack of evidence of a crime.
These events are part of a significant US counter-narcotics deployment in the Caribbean. While the US military reports numerous successful strikes and captures, experts have raised questions regarding the legality of these operations under international law. The Trump administration has defended these actions, describing the targets as “narco-terrorists”.
President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, alleged that the submarine was heavily laden with “mostly fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics.” He also shared a video that appeared to show the semi-submersible vessel being struck by a projectile. However, drug trafficking experts have pointed out that fentanyl primarily enters the US via Mexico, rather than through the southern Caribbean where these operations are concentrated.
The deployment involves approximately 10,000 US troops, supported by numerous military aircraft and ships. The two rescued survivors were taken aboard a US warship before being repatriated. While the Ecuadorean survivor was reported to be in good health, the Colombian survivor sustained a traumatic brain injury and required medical support, according to Colombian officials.
The US operations have primarily focused on vessels departing from Venezuela. President Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking ring, allegations that Maduro denies, claiming the US aims to remove him from power. Meanwhile, the US has been increasing pressure on Venezuela, with reports indicating that the CIA has been authorized to conduct covert operations in the country.
Previous US strikes have targeted groups like the Tren de Aragua gang, based in Venezuela. However, as the number of targeted vessels increases, questions are being raised about the identities and circumstances of those on board. Notably, the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, criticized a September strike in Colombian territorial waters, labeling it “murder.” This led to a sharp response from President Trump, who threatened to cut aid to Colombia and impose tariffs on its goods.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has expressed support for the US military intervention, stating that these operations contribute to making the region a “Zone of Peace” by combating transnational crime.