US Pledges Aggressive Action Against Foreign Crime Groups, Says Rubio

Sat Oct 18 2025 08:10:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the United States is prepared to 'blow up' foreign crime groups in collaboration with allied nations, particularly targeting entities in Ecuador.

During a visit to Ecuador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to combat foreign crime syndicates by potentially using military force, including designating Ecuador's major gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations. This announcement follows a recent military operation against drug traffickers in the Caribbean, reflecting the escalating violence in Ecuador linked to drug cartels. The US will provide significant financial and technological support to Ecuador to aid their efforts against drug trafficking.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that the United States will consider 'blowing up' foreign crime organizations if necessary, especially in partnership with other nations. His comments were made during a recent trip to Ecuador, where he addressed the country's escalating battles against organized crime.

Rubio stated, Now they're gonna help us find these people and blow them up, if that's what it takes, as he confirmed plans to designate two of Ecuador's largest criminal gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations.

This announcement comes just days after US forces reportedly executed a strike in the Caribbean Sea, taking out a boat and killing 11 suspected drug traffickers, although their identities remain undisclosed.

Further compounding tensions, the US Defense Department has accused Venezuelan military aircraft of provocatively flying near a US vessel while conducting anti-narcotics operations. In response to questions about smugglers from allied countries facing potential military action, Rubio mentioned the importance of cooperation with governments in the region to identify these criminals without unilateral US intervention.

According to Rubio, the administration is intent on 'waging war' against groups that have been targeting the US for three decades, while also affirming that friendly governments are eager to assist in these efforts.

The Ecuadorian and Mexican governments, however, have yet to publicly agree to military assistance for US-led strikes. Following a recent military operation against the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, which reportedly transported narcotics towards the United States, legal experts have raised concerns about the potential violation of international humanitarian law as a result of such actions.

Rubio also announced that Washington will provide $13.5 million in security aid and $6 million in drone technology to bolster Ecuador's fight against drug trafficking as violence spirals due to gang conflicts over cocaine routes.

With recent data suggesting that approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine transits through Ecuador, the urgency for action has never been greater. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed his desire for the US to assist in the fight against these gangs, terming it a 'war'.

The formal designation of these criminal groups as terrorist organizations would enable the US to seize assets and properties of associated individuals and enhance intelligence sharing with Ecuador without limitations, potentially affecting operational strategies against these gangs.

In the wake of increasing violence, many Ecuadorians have sought asylum in the US, leading to discussions about the implications of terrorist designations for victims versus those who may have funded their oppressors.

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