Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the US will not hesitate to act decisively against foreign crime groups if necessary, stating, Now they're gonna help us find these people and blow them up, if that's what it takes, during his trip to Ecuador.
In his remarks, Rubio formally announced that the US would designate two of Ecuador's largest gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation allows the US to take financial action against those affiliated with these groups and may enhance intelligence-sharing with the Ecuadorian government.
Rubio's comments follow a recent US military operation that targeted drug traffickers in the Caribbean, where 11 individuals were reportedly killed, although their identities have not been disclosed.
The US Department of Defense has also accused two Venezuelan military planes of aggressive maneuvers close to a US vessel, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Rubio emphasized the importance of cooperation with foreign governments in tackling narcotics smugglers. He noted, The president has said he wants to wage war on these groups because they've been waging war on us for 30 years and no one has responded. However, he acknowledged that friendly nations will assist in identifying effective responses to these threats.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed strong interest in US assistance, having previously called for international military support against the country's escalating gang violence as cartels vied for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes. Recently, he has proposed constitutional amendments to reestablish US military bases in Ecuador, showcasing the urgency of the situation.
Rubio's visit concluded with announcements of significant US aid aimed at bolstering Ecuador's security efforts against drug trafficking, underlining the international dimension of this escalating crisis as cartel-related violence continues to escalate.
