US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Washington is prepared to “blow up” foreign criminal organisations if necessary, pledging tougher action against international drug cartels during a visit to Ecuador.
Rubio announced that the US will officially designate Ecuador’s two largest gangs—Los Lobos and Los Choneros—as foreign terrorist organisations, a move requested by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as part of his campaign to combat cartel violence.
The comments come days after a US military strike in the southern Caribbean killed 11 suspected traffickers aboard a vessel allegedly linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
President Donald Trump said the gang was transporting narcotics toward the US.
Rubio suggested that “friendly governments” such as Mexico and Ecuador would help identify traffickers, but warned that Washington could act unilaterally if needed.
He also announced $13.5 million in security assistance and $6 million in drone technology to support Ecuador’s anti-narcotics operations.
Ecuador has seen a sharp surge in violence as rival cartels battle over cocaine routes.
Government figures estimate that about 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through Ecuador, en route from Colombia and Peru to the US, Europe, and Asia.
The US designation of the two gangs allows Washington to freeze assets, share intelligence more freely, and take potentially lethal action against members.
However, legal experts warn recent US operations may violate international law, while the terrorist label could complicate asylum cases for Ecuadorians fleeing cartel violence.
President Noboa has described his crackdown as a “war” on criminal gangs and is seeking constitutional changes to allow foreign military bases back in Ecuador.
