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Gloria Alexandra Bravo Cedeño was an Ecuadorian prosecutor. She and her sister were shot and killed in Manta on June 14, 2026. Human Rights Watch spoke directly with Bravo in May about her investigation into three Ecuadorian fishing vessels near the Galápagos. Two crews reported drone strikes, and a third boat disappeared with eight crew members still missing. Human Rights Watch
There is serious reporting pointing to U.S. involvement in the boat attacks. Human Rights Watch concluded that U.S. authorities likely knew about the attacks or had some involvement. The Washington Post linked the strikes to a covert CIA program, citing a person familiar with the operation and flight-tracking records. The CIA declined to comment, and the Pentagon and Coast Guard denied involvement.
But an investigation published by The Washington Post on August 13 has provided details. The Post maintains that the attacks on Ecuadorian fishing boats near the Galapagos were part of a CIA undercover operation. According to a source cited by the Post, the operation would be related to the drone attacks against the Negra Francisca Duarte II and the Don Maca, as well as the disappearance of the Fiorella and its eight crew members. The investigation also found clues linking a plane from El Salvador to the incidents. The CIA has not offered confirmation of the operation and the Pentagon and the U.S. Coast Guard have denied involvement in the attacks.
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