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’
TL;DR
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a shift in strategy for combating drug trafficking in Latin America.
- The new approach focuses on working with allied countries and aligning with their laws for joint operations.
- The US military will still "blow up ships if need be" as a last resort.
- This change follows a year-long campaign of unilateral strikes by the Trump administration against alleged narco-terrorists.
- A recent strike in the Caribbean Sea killed three people, bringing the total killed in such strikes to at least 230.
- The US is seeking agreements for joint operations with countries like Colombia and Ecuador.
- Rubio welcomed the willingness of regional countries to participate in efforts within their territorial waters.
- The decision to strike is made on a case-by-case basis depending on the threat and location.
- Recent interdictions involve removing individuals from vessels and transferring them to local authorities before destroying the ships.