The Ecuadorian Navy announced on September 3 that it is coordinating the return of crew members from the vessels Conquista II and OM2 to the port of Manta. ^[1] The US Southern Command reported on September 2 that it interdicted a vessel operating as a floating refueling station for drug trafficking operations supporting the Los Choneros organization. ^[2] John Reimberg, Ecuador's Interior Minister, stated on September 5 that Ecuador will no longer be used as a country for the shipment of drugs. ^[3] On September 4, 2026, 28 fishermen arrived in Manta, Manabí, Ecuador, handcuffed and transported in a bus by the National Police after being intercepted at sea. ^[4] On September 4, 2026, the Ecuadorian Navy confirmed the arrival of 28 crew members at the port of Manta, Manabí province, following a maritime operation involving US units. ^[5] Twenty-eight Ecuadorian fishermen were detained after US forces intercepted and sank two vessels in the Pacific. ^[6] Interior Minister John Reimberg stated on September 4, 2026, that there is no error in the operations and that the interceptions follow a proper investigation process. ^[7] The 28 detained fishermen are divided between two vessels: nine belong to the boat Conquista II and 19 belong to the boat OM2. ^[8] On September 3, 2026, the Ecuadorian Navy's Social Communication Directorate reported that the reception of the crew was coordinated with US naval units. ^[9] The Command South of the United States and Ecuadorian authorities stated that the vessels 'Conquista II' and 'OM2' were destroyed after being identified as floating fuel supply stations. ^[10] The contingent arriving at the port consisted of nine people from the vessel 'Conquista II' and 19 occupants from the vessel 'OM2'. ^[11] Families of the detained men protested outside the port, claiming the men were innocent fishermen who were not drug traffickers. ^[12]