Ecuador Releases Survivor of U.S. Strike on Alleged Drug Trafficker Due to Lack of Evidence

Ecuador has released a survivor of a U.S. military strike on a drug-trafficking vessel, citing insufficient evidence of his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

• The survivor, rescued by the United States Armed Forces after the strike action on his vessel, was returned to Ecuador where he was released by prosecutors.
• Ecuadors prosecutors office concluded there was a lack of evidence linking the individual to any crime connected to the illegal drug trade.
• The U.S. militarys strike action on the alleged drug-trafficking vessel underscores ongoing tensions in combating the illegal drug trade in the region.