US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Takes a Hardline Stance Against Foreign Crime Groups

Wed Oct 22 2025 22:01:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Rubio suggests extreme measures against foreign criminal organizations during a visit to Ecuador, including potential military actions and new designations of local gangs as terrorist organizations.

In a recent declaration, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a willingness to escalate actions against foreign crime syndicates, particularly during his visit to Ecuador. He signaled potential military collaboration to 'blow up' these groups, emphasizing the US commitment to combat the surge of drug-related violence, which has increasingly involved Ecuadorian criminal organizations like Los Lobos and Los Choneros. This announcement follows a recent US military operation that targeted drug traffickers in the Caribbean and included promises of financial aid and technology support to Ecuador amid its ongoing fight against drug cartels.

In a significant announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the United States is prepared to take extreme measures against foreign crime organizations, hinting at military action if necessary.

During his recent visit to Ecuador, where the drug trade has surged dramatically, Rubio stated, 'Now they're gonna help us find these people and blow them up, if that's what it takes.' His commitment was underscored by the decision to designate Ecuador's major criminal gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations.

This initiative follows the recent US military operation that reportedly eliminated eleven drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean Sea, though the identities of those killed remain undisclosed. Rubio's strong remarks align with an overall push for a more aggressive US stance against narco-trafficking that has plagued Ecuador and other South American nations.

Rubio noted the role of 'co-operative governments' in identifying smugglers, prompting questions about potential unilateral actions against those evading justice in allied nations such as Mexico and Ecuador. He remarked, 'The president has said he wants to wage war on these groups because they've been waging war on us for 30 years and no one has responded.'

While Ecuador is battling rising violence linked to drug-related gangs, Rubio announced plans for approximately $13.5 million in US security aid along with $6 million in drone technology for Ecuador's initiatives against drug trafficking.

Notably, the designation of these gangs as terrorist organizations, a request from Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, will enable the US government to impose economic sanctions on their assets and improve intelligence sharing with Ecuadorian authorities, allowing for more direct actions against these groups.

As violence escalates amidst control battles over cocaine trafficking routes, President Noboa has sought more military assistance and is even looking to amend the constitution for foreign military bases, previously closed in 2009. This evolving situation also impacts migration patterns, as Ecuadorians flee from increased cartel violence, compounding the challenges faced by the US regarding asylum determinations.