Ecuador has announced the release of a survivor from a U.S. military strike on a submarine suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean. The strike resulted in the capture of the Ecuadorean national, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, and a Colombian man named Jeison Obando Pérez. Following the strike, U.S. President Donald Trump noted they would be returned to their home countries for legal action. However, Ecuador’s Attorney General’s office stated that the Ecuadorean survivor could not be detained due to the absence of any reported crime.
The U.S. has launched multiple operations targeting drug trafficking vessels in the region, with strikes described as part of a broader counter-narcotics effort since early September, which has resulted in at least 32 fatalities across seven attacks. The legality of these strikes has been challenged by experts, citing possible violations of international law.
In his remarks, Trump characterized the submarine as a “drug-carrying vessel” and claimed it was loaded with narcotics, including fentanyl. However, experts have indicated that fentanyl predominantly enters the U.S. from Mexico rather than the Caribbean. Following the strikes, about 10,000 U.S. troops and additional military resources have been deployed to the area.
Tufiño was said to be in good health following rescue by a U.S. military helicopter and transport to a warship. In contrast, the Colombian survivor reportedly arrived in his country with serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care. Colombian officials emphasized that drug trafficking is illegal in Colombia.
The U.S. operations appear to be concentrated on vessels departing from Venezuela, with Trump accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization. Maduro has contested these allegations, asserting that the U.S. actions are politically motivated. While some regional leaders express concerns over the strikes, others, like Trinidad and Tobago, have affirmed their support for U.S. anti-trafficking efforts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn97vl7vy7xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss