United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US will “blow up” foreign crime groups if necessary, potentially in collaboration with other nations, and announced the designation of Ecuador’s Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations. These comments followed a US strike in the Caribbean Sea.

• The US will provide $13.5 million in security aid and $6 million in drone technology to Ecuador to combat drug trafficking.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made these statements during a visit to Ecuador.
• Approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine transits through Ecuador, making it a critical point in global drug routes.