Ecuador defends US sinking of vessels as joint anti-drug operation
Relatives of detained crew say US forces acted without evidence, claiming the men were fishermen, not smugglers.
![A group of detained fishermen are transported on a National Police bus to the Community Surveillance Unit (UVC) from the port of Manta. [AFP]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/afp_6a9b655c6afd-1788568924.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Members of the Los Baja Deo organisation accused by US prosecutors of trafficking drugs and possessing firearms in Puerto Rico. [United States Department of Justice]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Taking-Back-West-In-Order-In-custody-1787864418.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Mexico’s Sheinbaum condemns governor’s return amid US drug charges
President Sheinbaum criticises Governor Rocha’s return amid US drug charges, calling it ‘reckless’ and ‘inappropriate’.
US military says strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat kills two
US Southern Command says Sunday’s strike targeted vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes.
![Vessels take part in a joint training exercise during Panamax 2026, a multinational exercise led by Panama and sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), in Panama City, Panama, on August 7, 2026. [Enea Lebrun/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07T200426Z_666177120_RC2TTMASVNBN_RTRMADP_3_PANAMA-USA-CANAL-1787559950.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
From: NewsFeed
US defence secretary says drug cartels will be ‘targeted like ISIS’
US defence secretary says drug cartels will be ‘targeted like ISIS’
Published On 13 Aug 2026
From: NewsFeed
Half a tonne of Erling Haaland branded cocaine seized in Ecuador
Erling Haaland’s name and image turned up on hundreds of cocaine bricks seized by Ecuadorian police.
Published On 13 Aug 2026
From: NewsFeed
Car bomb hits Colombia highway day after new president sworn in
A car bomb destroyed a toll booth on a highway in Colombia a day after President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in.
Published On 9 Aug 2026
Mediterranean smuggling network ‘dismantled’ in Spain-led raid, 78 arrested
Authorities say they broke up one of the largest criminal networks running migrant smuggling in Western Mediterranean.
From: NewsFeed
Mexico deploys troops to secure avocado region after US halts imports
Mexico deployed more than 1,500 troops to its main avocado-producing state after the US suspended export inspections.
Published On 7 Aug 2026
Parker’s positive cocaine test caused by nutritionist, doping body says
The 34-year-old boxer tested positive for cocaine on day of shock loss to Fabio Wardley in London in October.
US announces more than $100m in rewards for eight Jalisco cartel leaders
The Trump administration has sought to weaken the leadership of high-profile Mexican cartels by increasing the bounties.
From: NewsFeed
Bolivia sends troops to stop Brazilian gang violence along border
Footage shows some of the more than 200 Bolivian police and military officers patrolling its border with Brazil.
Published On 5 Aug 2026
