Rubio pushes anti-drug fight in Ecuador

Ecuador's foreign minister met with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Quito, with the goal of combating the rise of narco-terrorists in the region. Rubio's visit marked the second stop of a three-nation tour aimed at strengthening conservative alliances in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, while also boosting US influence in the area.

During the trip, Rubio declared Los Tiguerones gang a terrorist organization, highlighting their dangerous nature and sophisticated weaponry. This gang has been linked to various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and contract killings, and has been responsible for over 25,000 murders in Ecuador within the last three years.

Rubio also announced sanctions against seven unnamed former officials for accepting bribes and cooperating with these proscribed groups. The US has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking, deploying air strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, resulting in over 200 casualties according to US defense department figures.

During the visit, Rubio discussed the potential for tougher extradition rules and pledged to send Ecuador a coastguard cutter and five more interceptor vessels. Additionally, he emphasized the commercial ties between the US and Ecuador, with companies like Google, Palantir, and SpaceX establishing operations in the country. Rubio also pledged to improve relations with Colombia, where the US aims to strengthen its presence through military equipment, training, and intelligence.

The US is striving to counter the influence of China, Russia, and Iran in Latin America, with Rubio's visit to Peru expected to advance the Shield of the Americas initiative, a regional security partnership focused on combating drug trafficking and transnational crime.