US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States will work more closely with allied countries in Latin America to fight drug trafficking, while keeping the option of military action against suspected drug-trafficking vessels.
Speaking during a visit to Ecuador, Rubio said the US was focused on working with countries such as Ecuador and Colombia and ensuring that operations in their territorial waters follow local laws.
His comments come after a year of US military strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs. The latest strike in the Caribbean reportedly killed three people, bringing the number of deaths from US boat strikes to at least 230 in 69 operations, according to the report.
Rubio said the US would decide how to respond on a case-by-case basis, depending on the threat and location of each vessel. He also praised Ecuador for its cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
The US has recently changed its approach in some operations, with people aboard vessels being removed and handed over to local authorities before the vessels are destroyed.
Rubio’s comments came during a three-country South American tour aimed at strengthening security cooperation with governments that are closely aligned with the Trump administration.
