The US Army sank a third vessel suspected of drug trafficking off the coast of Ecuador in a single week. ^[1] Fishermen and their families in the port of Manta, Ecuador, deny having links to the drug trade and question the anti-drug operations. ^[2] Human Rights Watch reported in July that three other Ecuadorian vessels were allegedly attacked by US forces between January and March, with at least eight people missing. ^[3] The US Southern Command reported on Thursday that it attacked a vessel serving as a supply station for the Ecuadorian Los Choneros band, publishing a video of the explosion. ^[4] Human Rights Watch has previously documented other attacks resulting in disappearances, a claim Washington denies. ^[5] The surge in military activity has generated alarm among local residents and human rights organizations. ^[6] The US Southern Command reported that crew members were transferred safely to Ecuadorian authorities before the sinking, though no deaths were reported in this week's attacks. ^[7]