Repeated attempts by The Post to reach Tufiño by telephone, email and social media were unsuccessful. Hegseth gave his approval to kill the passengers, sink the boat and destroy the drugs, according to three people familiar with the operation. A follow-up strike sank the vessel, and commanders determined the mission was over, according to a person familiar with the attack. In that investigation, authorities recovered GPS units with coordinates, satellite phones, cellphones and the markings on the cocaine, according to Warren, Tufiño’s former attorney. None appear to have been deterred by the recent U.S. boat strikes, Ecuadorian intelligence authorities say.

Source: Washington Post December 28, 2025 13:01 UTC