A Surprising Release: Ecuador Frees Submersible Survivor

In a twist of events, Ecuador let go of a man who was the sole survivor from a U. S. attack on a small underwater vessel. This vessel was suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean. The man, Andrés Fernando Tufiño, was found to be healthy after medical checks. Prosecutors in Ecuador said they had no proof that Tufiño broke any laws in their country. This decision came after the U. S. sent him back to Ecuador over the weekend. The attack happened when the U. S. military struck the submersible, which they believed was transporting drugs. Two people died in the attack, and two survived. The other survivor, a Colombian citizen, is still in the hospital. The U. S. military rescued both men after destroying the submersible. President Trump claimed that the vessel was carrying mostly fentanyl and other illegal drugs. However, experts say that most fentanyl entering the U. S. comes through Mexico, not the Andes. This attack is one of several that have happened since September. In total, at least 32 people have died from these strikes. The attacks have caused tension, especially between the U. S. , Venezuela, and Colombia. Colombia said its survivor will be prosecuted according to their laws. They also recalled their ambassador to the U. S. after a heated exchange between President Petro and Trump. Ecuador's President Noboa, however, stood by the U. S. , saying Ecuador is committed to fighting drug trafficking. Trump has justified the attacks, saying the U. S. is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.