Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. may take military action against foreign crime groups, including potential collaboration with other nations. During a visit to Ecuador, Rubio mentioned, “Now they’re gonna help us find these people and blow them up, if that’s what it takes.” He also announced the U.S. would classify two major Ecuadorian gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations.
These statements follow a recent U.S. military operation in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals identified as drug traffickers, though their identities were not disclosed. When asked about the possibility of unilateral actions against smugglers from allied nations like Mexico and Ecuador, Rubio emphasized the importance of cooperative governments in identifying these individuals.
Rubio referenced the current U.S. administration’s commitment to combating these criminal groups, which he believes have been “waging war” against the U.S. for decades. However, he indicated that collaboration with friendly governments could suffice in many cases, without the need for direct military intervention.
The Ecuadorian and Mexican governments have not publicly committed to supporting military strikes. In a related incident, President Donald Trump indicated that a recent military operation targeted members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, who were allegedly transporting illegal narcotics towards the U.S. Legal experts have raised concerns that this strike might have breached international human rights and maritime laws.
On the same day, the U.S. Department of Defense accused two Venezuelan military aircraft of making provocative moves near a U.S. vessel during counter-narcotics operations. Meanwhile, Rubio announced $19.5 million in security aid for Ecuador to bolster its efforts against drug trafficking, amid rising violence connected to criminal gangs vying for control of drug routes.
Ecuador currently handles about 70% of the world’s cocaine in transit from Colombia and Peru. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who has declared a “war” on criminal gangs, supports the U.S. designation of these groups as terrorist organizations. He is also seeking constitutional changes to potentially allow foreign military bases in Ecuador, previously closed in 2009. This designation permits U.S. authorities to target assets linked to these gangs and share intelligence with Ecuador’s government.
The surge in cartel violence is also believed to be contributing to increased migration from Ecuador to the U.S. The implications of classifying gangs as terrorist organizations for asylum seekers from Ecuador remain uncertain, as it could present both challenges and opportunities for victims seeking refuge.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx23nzwjnwwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss