Ecuadorian Survivor of U.S. Strike Freed Amid Legal Review

Ecuador's prosecutor's office announced Monday it would not detain the Ecuadorian survivor from a U.S. military strike on a drug-trafficking vessel. The individual was released on arrival in Ecuador after authorities confirmed no evidence of local criminal activity.

The U.S. military operation last week targeted a semi-submersible vessel, resulting in two fatalities and the rescue of two survivors—an Ecuadorian and a Colombian. Intelligence reports confirmed the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics, including fentanyl.

U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that the vessel was heavily loaded with narcotics. Survivors were returned to their countries for potential legal action, though Ecuador's prosecutor did not pursue charges.