US strikes on Ecuadorian fishing boats kill civilians; 8 missing, rights groups allege illegal killings

US military operations against 'narcoterrorists' have struck Ecuadorian longliners off the Pacific coast, killing civilians and leaving eight fishermen missing. Washington claims 238 deaths in the Pacific and Caribbean since late 2025, but human rights defenders denounce 'illegal assassinations'. This marks a significant escalation in US counter-narcotics operations with direct civilian casualties, raising legal and diplomatic concerns.