US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for the United States to enhance collaboration with Latin American countries to tackle drug trafficking. During his visit to Ecuador, Rubio emphasized the importance of forming agreements for joint operations with nations such as Ecuador and Colombia, focusing especially on actions within their territorial waters and ensuring adherence to local laws.

This initiative comes in the context of an ongoing US military campaign targeting vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. A recent operation in the Caribbean Sea resulted in three fatalities, adding to a reported total of at least 230 deaths across 69 operations since the campaign’s inception in September 2025. Rubio stated that any future military actions would be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the threat and the vessel’s location.

Rubio underscored that increased cooperation with regional governments is vital for disrupting and ultimately dismantling drug-trafficking routes. This strategic shift towards collaboration responds to criticism of previous unilateral US military strikes against vessels, which were accused by the Trump administration of being associated with “narco-terrorists.”

The Secretary of State’s remarks highlight a nuanced approach, balancing military action with diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability and effectiveness in combating drug trafficking. By fostering stronger alliances with Latin American countries, the US aims to address the root causes of drug trafficking and enhance the security of the region.