The US diplomat suggested continued action against Latin American gangs while in Ecuador, days after a deadly strike on a boat.
During his visit to Ecuador, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated two local gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations, framing the US’s actions as part of a broader “war” on organized crime. Rubio announced increased security funding for Ecuador, while emphasizing cooperation on drug trafficking and migration amid heightened tensions following a controversial military strike against a gang boat from Venezuela.