QUITO — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended American military strikes against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, warning that powerful cartels have become a “cancer” spreading violence, corruption and instability across the Americas.
Speaking during a visit to Ecuador, Rubio said the United States would continue working with regional partners to dismantle drug trafficking organisations, while making clear that Washington was prepared to use force against suspected cartel operations when necessary.
Rubio argued that criminal groups operating across Latin America were no longer simply ordinary gangs, saying their growing capabilities and regional influence required a stronger response.
US Defends Strikes on Suspected Drug Vessels
The comments came as the United States faces growing scrutiny over its campaign against vessels allegedly involved in maritime drug trafficking.
Recent operations have involved US forces working with regional partners to intercept and destroy boats suspected of supporting drug networks. In some cases, individuals aboard vessels have been removed and transferred to local authorities before the boats were destroyed.
Rubio defended the tougher approach, arguing that drug trafficking organisations possess capabilities that go beyond conventional criminal activity and pose a broader security threat across the region.
Ecuador Becomes a Key US Partner
During his visit, Rubio met Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and announced plans to seek US$45 million in additional security funding to support Ecuador’s fight against drug trafficking.
The proposed assistance includes additional maritime equipment and support for Ecuador’s efforts to combat organised crime and drug networks.
Rubio also announced that the US had designated Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organisation, further increasing pressure on one of the country’s most notorious criminal groups.
Concerns Over the Use of Military Force
The US campaign has also drawn criticism from human rights groups and raised questions about the use of military force against suspected drug traffickers.
Critics have questioned whether lethal strikes against vessels are legally justified and whether sufficient evidence has been made public about those targeted.
The debate is likely to intensify as Washington expands security cooperation with governments across Latin America while maintaining the option of direct military action against cartel-linked operations.
A Broader US Push in Latin America
Rubio’s trip is part of a wider US effort to strengthen ties with governments in Latin America and increase cooperation on drug trafficking, organised crime and regional security.
The United States has been seeking greater coordination with allies including Ecuador and Colombia, while pushing for stronger action against criminal organisations operating across national borders.
Rubio’s message was clear: Washington sees the drug trade as more than a law enforcement problem.
The Bottom Line
Marco Rubio has strongly defended US strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, warning that powerful cartels have become a “cancer” spreading across the Americas.
The US secretary of state said criminal organisations must be confronted and dismantled, as Washington deepens security partnerships with countries such as Ecuador.
But as the campaign expands, so does the controversy.
The United States is stepping up its war against drug cartels — and the growing use of military force is raising serious questions about where the fight against organised crime ends and a wider regional conflict begins.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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