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    "headline": "US and Ecuador Interdict Los Choneros-linked Vessel in Pacific",
    "dek": "US Southern Command and Ecuador jointly intercepted a drug trafficking vessel linked to Los Choneros in the Eastern Pacific.",
    "prose": "The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Government of Ecuador jointly interdicted a vessel linked to the Los Choneros criminal organization in the Eastern Pacific on September 2, 2026. [^1]\n\nThe US Southern Command and Ecuadorian authorities confirmed on September 2, 2026, that the fishing vessel Conquista 2 was intercepted and destroyed in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. [^2]\n\nUS and Ecuadorian officials stated that the Conquista 2 was operating as a floating fueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations. [^3]\n\nSOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan directed the operation, which was executed by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) in coordination with Ecuador. [^4]\n\nUS intelligence confirmed that the intercepted vessel functioned as a floating refueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations at sea. [^5]\n\nUS Navy personnel from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) boarded the vessel, registered it, and ensured its seizure without reported incidents. [^6]\n\nCésar Pico, the owner of the Conquista 2, claimed the incident was a mistake and that the crew was engaged in legitimate fishing activities. [^7]\n\nThe vessel departed the port of Manta, Manabí, on August 28, 2026, with 15 crew members who were later transferred safely to Ecuadorian authorities. [^8]",
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      "statement": "The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Government of Ecuador jointly interdicted a vessel linked to the Los Choneros criminal organization in the Eastern Pacific on September 2, 2026.",
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      "statement": "The US Southern Command and Ecuadorian authorities confirmed on September 2, 2026, that the fishing vessel Conquista 2 was intercepted and destroyed in international waters of the Eastern Pacific.",
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      "statement": "US and Ecuadorian officials stated that the Conquista 2 was operating as a floating fueling station to support Los Choneros drug trafficking operations.",
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      "statement": "SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan directed the operation, which was executed by the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) in coordination with Ecuador.",
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      "statement": "César Pico, the owner of the Conquista 2, claimed the incident was a mistake and that the crew was engaged in legitimate fishing activities.",
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