More than a dozen Ecuadorian fishermen have filed a lawsuit against the US government following a military drone strike on their vessel, the La Negra Francesca Duarte II, on March 17. The attack was part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign the Trump administration announced in November 2025 that it said was designed to counter what it characterized as “narco-terrorists” in the Caribbean and Pacific. The fishermen claim they were illegally targeted approximately 385 nautical miles from the port of Manta as they returned from a fishing expedition.
According to the lawsuit, two armed drones struck the boat, destroying it and causing serious burn injuries to two crew members. The fishermen stated they subsequently encountered US military personnel in camouflage uniforms who restrained them with zip ties and placed hoods over their heads. They allege they were then transported to a detention center in El Salvador where they were imprisoned for several weeks. The lawsuit seeks unspecified financial compensation for the attack and what the plaintiffs characterize as kidnapping and torture during their detention.
The filing, which will be presented in US district court for the western district of Pennsylvania, argues that the operation lacked congressional authorization and violated international maritime law. The lawsuit notes that Ecuadorian authorities had previously inspected the vessel and determined it carried no drugs and that its crew had no cartel affiliations. According to advocacy group Wola, as many as 250 people have been killed in subsequent strikes under Operation Southern Spear, which the organization characterizes as extrajudicial executions due to the absence of provided evidence of trafficking involvement by those targeted.
The US Department of Defense declined to comment on the pending litigation. The Pentagon and US Coast Guard had previously denied any involvement in operations involving Ecuadorian fishing vessels. A US Southern Command spokesperson stated that American forces conduct operations under established legal authorities and adhere to standards of compliance with US and international law.
The lawsuit follows similar litigation filed by families of Trinidadian fishermen killed in a separate US military strike in the Caribbean. Advocacy organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union have called for an end to what they characterize as unauthorized military operations at sea. Legal representatives for the Ecuadorian fishermen expressed hope that their case would prompt congressional investigations when Democratic leadership takes control of Congress later this year.
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