Rubio pushes anti-drug fight in Ecuador

Ecuador's foreign minister met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited Quito to combat narco-terrorists in the South American nation. Rubio's three-nation tour aimed to strengthen ties with conservative allies in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and increase US influence in the region. Rubio labeled Ecuador's Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist organization, emphasizing their weapons and equipment similar to those of national armies.

In 2024, the gang gained international attention after storming a TV studio during a live broadcast. Over 25,000 people have been killed in Ecuador over the past three years due to drug gang violence. Rubio also sanctioned seven unnamed former Ecuadorian government officials for bribery and involvement with proscribed groups. Since 2021, the US government has intensified its anti-drug strategy, including air strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in over 200 deaths.

Joint US-Ecuador patrols have sunk at least six fishing boats involved in drug trafficking, though many vessels were carrying only fuel, and some crew members were released without charge. During the visit, Rubio aimed to discuss tougher extradition rules and provide Ecuador with a coastguard cutter and five more interceptor vessels.

He also highlighted commercial ties, stating that tech giants like Google, Palantir, and SpaceX were establishing operations in Ecuador. Washington seeks to counter China, Russia, and Iran's influence in Latin America, a goal outlined in the administration's national security strategy. In Colombia, Rubio pledged to restore relations with Bogota after years of leftist rule and discussed providing military equipment, training, and intelligence.

In Peru, Rubio intends to advance the "Shield of the Americas" initiative, a US-backed security partnership to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.