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Covert CIA program said to be behind mysterious attacks on Galápagos boats
The covert program was separate from Pentagon strikes and left at least eight fishermen missing, while survivors described drone attacks and detentions.
- The Washington Post reported this week that mystery strikes targeting Ecuadorian fishing boats near the Galápagos Islands were carried out as part of a covert CIA program, contradicting prior U.S. Defense Department denials of involvement.
- In March, two vessels, La Negra Francisca Duarte II and Don Maca, were targeted by small, explosive-laden drones after crews spotted a mysterious blue ship following them at a distance during their fishing voyages.
- Flight data identified a Cessna Citation Longitude using call sign FENIX 701 patrolling near the boats' locations, while Captain Hernán Flores reported a drone crashed into his vessel, severely injuring his nephew Jordyn Flores.
- Both survivor crews ended up in El Salvador before repatriation to Ecuador; El Salvador's military acknowledged picking up the fishermen in March as shipwreck survivors, though the CIA declined to provide guidance on the program.
- Another boat, Fiorella, disappeared on January 20 with eight crew members and is believed to have been attacked, raising concerns about broader undisclosed U.S. special operations that may remain unexamined for decades.
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Cartel Threats and US Airstrikes: Ecuador Fishermen Have Nowhere to Hide
At first light on Ecuador's Pacific coast, small fishing boats fan out from the villages of San Mateo and Jaramijo, their bows pointed toward deeper waters and the promise of a good catch. Other boats come in from the rolling surf to battered coves…
Local 3 NewsReposted by 
KEZI 9 News
KEZI 9 NewsHernán Flores says he remembers the impact he felt when a sudden explosion shook his fishing boat in the Pacific.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources50
Leaning Left10Leaning Right12Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution41% Center
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
41% Center
L 27%
C 41%
R 32%
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