The Trump administration has escalated its campaign against Latin American drug trafficking organizations, designating them as “foreign terrorist groups” and vowing to sink their vessels rather than seize them
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Ecuador after a stop in Mexico, met with President Daniel Noboa on September 4 and pledged support for partner governments to directly attack criminal organizations.
“We will help our allies blow up the drug cartels,” Rubio said, adding, “They may carry out the attacks themselves, and we will support them.”
Rubio promised $13.5 million in security assistance to Ecuador, along with $6 million to purchase drones.
He also suggested that Washington could consider re-establishing a US military base in Ecuador if requested.
Ecuador dismantled the US military base in Manta in 2008, following the expiration of a basing agreement that had been in place since 1999. The country has since banned the stationing of foreign troops and the establishment of foreign bases on its territory. However, in February last year, President Noboa signed a decree authorizing the installation of a US base, and construction began in December on the Galápagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador.
The New York Times reported that the intent was to enable foreign governments to carry out lethal strikes, similar to US military operations in the Caribbean that have sunk drug-running vessels linked to Venezuela-based cartel Tren de Aragua.
Meanwhile, the reported sinking of such vessels has faced allegations of being staged or manipulated with AI.
Ecuadorian peace groups condemned Rubio’s visit, saying US actions amount to militarization of the Caribbean and a threat to Venezuela. They warned the move endangers Latin American peace and constitutes a serious violation of Ecuador’s sovereignty and national interests.
