Alleged CIA bombing in Ecuador shows how little we know about US actions in the country

Alleged CIA bombing in Ecuador shows how little we know about US actions in the country

Author: Pirate Wire Services August 14, 2026 Duration: 16:46

We speak with Latin America studies fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations, and longtime reporter, Will Freeman, about new revelations by the Washington Post and the New York Times that alleges the US is directly involved in a drone strike that killed 8 Ecuadorian fishermen.

Will conducted a deep-dive on the subject for the New Yorker in June. We talk about what this new reporting means for a country which is facing accusations of grave human rights violations as well as democratic backsliding as right-wing President Daniel Noboa consolidates power even as his “iron fist” strategies fail to stem rising criminality and violence.

What is really behind the surge? And what are the long-term goals of Noboa’s political project?

We discuss all that and more this week at Pirate Wire Radio.

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Hosted by Joshua Collins, Pirate Wire Radio delivers original journalism focused on the complex realities of Latin America. This isn't a surface-level recap of headlines; it's a deep, narrative-driven exploration of the forces shaping the region. Each episode moves beyond the news cycle to connect political shifts and economic currents with the deeply human stories unfolding on the ground. You'll hear about crime, the drug trade, cultural movements, and societal changes, all presented through rigorous reporting and firsthand perspectives. The podcast aims to provide context often missing from mainstream coverage, weaving together analysis of current events with documentary-style storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the true texture of life and power across Latin America, from boardrooms and government palaces to street corners and rural communities, this show offers an essential, unvarnished listen. Tune in for a compelling and nuanced portrait of a dynamic part of the world, delivered directly through your preferred podcast app.
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