Ecuador releases survivor of US strike on 'drug sub' in Caribbean

October 21, 2025

Ecuador has released an Ecuadorean national who survived a recent U.S. military strike on a submarine in the Caribbean allegedly used for drug smuggling, stating there was "no report of a crime" against him. The man, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, and a Colombian survivor named Jeison Obando Pérez, are the first people to survive the series of U.S. counter-narcotics strikes that have killed at least 32 people since early September. President Trump claimed the vessel was carrying "mostly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics," though experts note fentanyl typically enters the U.S. through Mexico, not the southern Caribbean.

Who is affected

Andrés Fernando Tufiño (Ecuadorean national) and Jeison Obando Pérez (Colombian citizen) who survived the U.S. strike
Two unnamed men who were killed in the submarine attack
At least 32 people killed in previous U.S. strikes since September
Citizens of countries in the Caribbean region, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Trinidad and Tobago
Alleged drug trafficking organizations, including the Tren de Aragua gang based in Venezuela
Local governments responding to the U.S. military presence in their region

What action is being taken

The U.S. is conducting military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean
Ecuador has released the Ecuadorean survivor after determining there was no evidence of crime
Colombia is providing medical treatment to their injured national who is sedated and on a ventilator
The U.S. has deployed approximately 10,000 troops, dozens of military aircraft, and ships to the Caribbean
The CIA is conducting covert operations in Venezuela with Trump's authorization
Trinidad and Tobago's government is publicly supporting the U.S. military intervention

Why it matters

The legality of these U.S. strikes is being questioned by experts who argue they breach international law
The operations are creating diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and countries like Colombia, whose president called a strike in Colombian waters "murder"
Trump has severed aid to Colombia and threatened tariffs in response to criticism
The strikes highlight conflicting narratives about drug trafficking routes, as experts dispute Trump's claims about fentanyl
The U.S. military actions appear to be part of a broader strategy targeting Venezuela's Maduro government, which the U.S. does not recognize
The operations raise concerns about civilian casualties and sovereignty violations in the region

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC