Rubio working to counter drugs; issues new warning

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified the United States' strategy for combating drug trafficking in Latin American waters on Wednesday. The administration is now working with allied countries and aligning with their laws, but still maintains the option to use military force if necessary. This shift in approach comes a year after the U.S. began unilateral deadly strikes against narcoterrorists in international waters, without providing evidence.

So far, the military has killed at least 230 people in 69 strikes. The U.S. is now focusing on building agreements for joint operations with allied countries like Colombia and Ecuador, which comply with their laws. Rubio praised Ecuador as a key ally in the Trump administration's efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

He announced the latest designation of a Latin American drug trafficking ring, Ecuador's Los Tiguerones, as a foreign terrorist organization. Ecuador has been helping the U.S. intercept and sink vessels involved in drug trafficking, including one linked to the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Choneros. The country has been struggling with drug violence since 2021 as rival cartels battle for control of smuggling routes.