Ecuador Releases Survivor of US Drug Submarine Strike

Wed Oct 22 2025 06:14:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a dramatic turn, Ecuador has released a survivor from a US military strike on a submarine involved in drug trafficking. The operation raises questions about legality and the ongoing fight against narcotics in the Caribbean.

Ecuador has released a survivor, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, of a US military strike targeting a drug-smuggling submarine in the Caribbean. The strike resulted in the deaths of two other individuals on board, with claims of illegal narcotics involved. The US has conducted multiple strikes in the region, but there are questions about the legality and implications of such military actions.

Ecuador has released the survivor of a US strike on a submarine allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The incident has raised significant concerns and sparked discussions about the legality of such military actions.

The US military captured the Ecuadorean citizen, Andrés Fernando Tufiño, along with a Colombian man, after attacking the submarine. The US President claimed they would be repatriated for prosecution, but Ecuadorian authorities stated there was no crime report to support detention.

This strike was part of a larger offensive by the US aimed at combating drug smuggling in the region, leading to multiple strikes since September that have killed at least 32 individuals. Experts have voiced concerns over the legal framework governing these actions.

Trump labeled the vessel a drug-carrying submarine, alleging it was loaded with fentanyl and other illegal substances. However, analysts maintain that most fentanyl enters the US through other routes, particularly from Mexico.

In a shocking detail, the Colombian survivor returned to his home country with severe injuries, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the real dangers faced. The ongoing US military presence in the Caribbean is part of a broader strategy targeting drug cartels, particularly from Venezuela.

As the situation evolves, questions remain regarding who is truly being targeted in these operations and the impact on international relations in the region.