Rubio says US will work with allies on drug-trafficking as three killed in latest boat strike
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a shift in strategy regarding drug-trafficking interdictions in Latin American waters. The administration now aims to coordinate joint operations with allied nations like Colombia and Ecuador while maintaining the authority to conduct unilateral strikes.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects the US government's attempt to balance aggressive counter-narcotics military actions with diplomatic cooperation in the region.
Marco Rubio outside the US embassy in Quito on Wednesday. Marco Rubio outside the US embassy in Quito on Wednesday. Marco Rubio Rubio says US will work with allies to stop drug-trafficking as three killed in latest boat strike Rubio visits Ecuador and welcomes cooperation after campaign of unilateral strikes on alleged ‘narco-terrorists’
Prefer the Guardian on Google US secretary of state Marco Rubio gave new clarity on the approach toward combating drug trafficking in Latin American waters, saying the Trump administration was focused on working with allied countries and aligning with their laws but insisting the military will “still blow up ships if need be.”
The public acknowledgment of a shift in US strategy comes a year after Washington began a campaign of unilateral deadly strikes against those it calls “narco-terrorists” operating boats in international waters.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in