Fishermen in Ecuador's Manabi province are caught between drug cartels and U.S. airstrikes. Cartels offer illicit income, while U.S. military operations, including covert CIA actions under Operation Southern Spear, target alleged narco-terrorists. These operations have resulted in the destruction of numerous vessels and hundreds of deaths, with some fishing boats reportedly struck.
Fishermen in Ecuador's Manabi province are navigating a dangerous situation, caught between the demands of drug cartels and the actions of U.S. military forces. The cartels reportedly offer illicit income to fishermen, creating a difficult choice for those struggling economically. Simultaneously, U.S. military operations, specifically Operation Southern Spear, are actively targeting alleged narco-terrorists in the region. These operations have led to significant destruction, with numerous vessels reportedly destroyed and hundreds of individuals killed. There are reports that some fishing boats have been struck during these covert CIA operations, further complicating the risks faced by the local fishing community. The U.S. military's presence and actions aim to disrupt drug trafficking networks, but the collateral impact on the civilian population, particularly fishermen, is a growing concern.