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Marco Rubio Defends U.S. Strategy of Lethal Boat Strikes Against Latin American Narco-Terrorists

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the U.S. military's campaign of lethal strikes against drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters during a visit to Ecuador. The administration announced a shift toward more collaborative operations with allied countries, such as Ecuador and Colombia, to ensure strikes comply with local laws in territorial waters. During his visit to the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, Rubio praised President Daniel Noboa for his aggressive approach to dismantling criminal networks. The administration announced a $45 million security funding package for Ecuador, which includes a $10 million initiative to tackle illegal gold mining and gang recruitment. Additionally, the administration announced a pledge to provide a coast guard cutter and five interceptor vessels to the Ecuadorian navy. Rubio also designated the Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization. While the U.S. military has conducted 69 strikes that have killed at least 230 people, some rights groups and fishermen have alleged that vessels were targeted without sufficient evidence of trafficking links. Rubio stated that the goal is to target drug traffickers rather than fishermen.

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