Rubio to Seek $45 Million in Additional Security Funding for Ecuador
Rubio said the Trump administration will ask Congress for new funding and equipment as Washington expands joint anti-trafficking operations with Ecuador.
- On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Quito to meet Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, announcing the Trump administration will seek $45 million in security funding for Ecuador plus a $10 million initiative targeting illegal gold mining and gang recruitment.
- Rubio designated the Ecuador-based gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization, while pledging to deliver a 110-foot Coast Guard cutter and five interceptor vessels to the country's navy to bolster maritime drug trafficking interdiction.
- Operation Southern Spear, the broader US military campaign, has destroyed 70 vessels and killed more than 220 people over the past year, drawing criticism from human rights groups and some Latin American leaders who characterize the strikes as extrajudicial killings.
- Responding to criticism, Rubio stated, "Our goal is not to go after fishermen. Our goal is to go after drug traffickers," adding these groups have "terrorist capabilities across the region" that must be confronted and defeated.
- This visit occurred during a diplomatic tour of Latin American countries with leaders aligned with Trump, as Washington seeks to reassert regional influence while imposing sanctions on seven former Ecuadorian officials involved in bribery.
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U.S. Pledges Enhanced Security Aid for Ecuador
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to secure $45 million for additional security measures in Ecuador, focusing on tackling drug trafficking. Rubio designated the Ecuador-based gang Los Tiguerones as a terrorist organization and pledged U.S. support, including equipment for Ecuador's navy, to combat illicit activities.
Rubio to seek $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington would seek $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador and provide military equipment as the two countries deepen cooperation against drug trafficking. During a visit to Quito, Rubio also announced new sanctions and a terrorist designation.
US secretary of state says Washington will seek $45M in new funding from Congress, designate Los Tiguerones as foreign terrorist organization
The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, said during a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday that he will seek $45 million in additional resources for the security of the Latin American country, as well as equipment to help combat drug trafficking.
The official stressed that the amount will be requested from the U.S. Congress.
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