United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has labeled two Ecuadorian cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” He made the announcement during a visit to Ecuador. The gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, are involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes. Rubio called the fight against these groups a “war on terror.”
Rubio met with Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld in Quito. They discussed stronger cooperation on security and migration. The US pledged $19 million to help Ecuador boost its defenses. The funds include money for general security and drones for the navy.
The US government plans to target cartel assets in American banks and improve intelligence sharing. Rubio stressed the gangs terrorize the countries where they operate. He contrasted this with Venezuela’s government, which he also called a criminal organization. Rubio hinted at possible future military actions, but only with partner countries’ support.
During the visit, Rubio said he might consider reopening a US military base in Ecuador. However, this would need approval through a national referendum. Rubio’s aggressive stance reflects President Trump’s policy shift toward treating Latin American crime groups as terrorists. This approach follows a recent US strike on a Venezuelan gang’s boat.
Marco Rubio’s labeling of Ecuadorian cartels as foreign terrorists marks a new phase in US-Latin America relations. The US and Ecuador now work closely against drug trafficking and organized crime. This visit shows a united front in the ongoing war on terror in the region.