On Sept. 15, under the direction of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) forces successfully interdicted a floating refueling station supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.
Intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the Los Choneros violent narco-terrorist organization. Individuals removed from the vessel will be transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing the vessel and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it. JTF-WHEM continues to conduct precise and professional operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.
"We are exerting unrelenting pressure on these narco-terrorists and...
TUCSON, Ariz. — Air chiefs and senior military leaders from across South America gathered in Tucson, Arizona, Aug. 25 for the South American Air Chiefs Conference (SOUTHAM) 2026, a four-day conference focused on strengthening regional cooperation and developing coordinated approaches to shared security challenges across the Western Hemisphere.
Hosted by 12th Air Force, Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), the air component to U.S. Southern...
