Rubio defends anti-drug boat strikes, warns of cartel ‘cancer’
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the use of military airstrikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats in Latin America, describing cartels as a 'cancer' to regional stability. The policy has drawn criticism from rights groups and experts who question the effectiveness and legality of the strikes.
Why it matters
The aggressive U.S. strategy in Latin America highlights a shift in foreign policy under the current administration, raising questions about sovereignty and human rights in the war on drugs.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended controversial strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats during a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday (September 9, 2026), arguing Latin American cartels would “eat these countries alive” if left unchecked.
Hailing a new generation of conservative leaders emerging across the region who are allied with President Donald Trump, Mr. Rubio said Washington was finding partners willing to be “very aggressive” against criminal groups.
Since Mr. Trump returned to power, the United States has embraced airstrikes against vessels plying known trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility Roberto Kury (right) and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) participate in a press conference at the presidential palace in Quito, Ecuador, on September 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters
According to Pentagon figures, the operations have killed more than 200 people.
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