The United States plans to strengthen collaboration with Latin American countries in an effort to combat drug trafficking, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking in Ecuador, Rubio emphasized the importance of working with nations like Ecuador and Colombia, particularly in their territorial waters, to conduct joint operations in line with local laws.
Rubio’s announcement comes as the US continues its military campaign targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. This campaign, which began in September 2025, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 230 individuals across 69 operations. The latest incident in the Caribbean Sea allegedly killed three people, highlighting the ongoing nature of these military actions.
Addressing the future of these operations, Rubio stated that decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific threat and the vessel’s location. He underscored that by cooperating more closely with regional governments, the US aims to disrupt and ultimately dismantle drug-trafficking routes that have long plagued the region.
This push for increased collaboration follows criticism of previous unilateral US strikes on vessels accused under the Trump administration of involvement with so-called “narco-terrorists.” By seeking agreements for joint operations, Washington aims to balance its military efforts with respect for the sovereignty of its Latin American allies.