Ecuadorian assistance amplified in regional anti-crime campaign by Rubio
In a significant development, US Senator Marco Rubio recently held a meeting with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa. This encounter, which took place a few days after US forces claimed to have destroyed an alleged drug-running boat linked to Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, marked a potential strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
Noboa, a businessman who consolidated power since his 2023 victory, is an emerging ally of US President Donald Trump. Born in Miami, the same hometown as Rubio, Noboa could follow in the steps of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, who has an iron-fisted approach to crime.
During the meeting, Rubio described the US push against criminal groups as unprecedented. Ecuador, which is the departure point for 70% of the world's cocaine supply, with nearly half going to the United States, is now directly in the crosshairs of the US. The United States has designated two gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations.
The Trump administration is considering Ecuador as a new destination for mass deportations. To aid in this fight against crime, the United States will provide nearly $20 million in security aid to Ecuador. Part of this aid includes six million dollars for drones.
Rubio aims to seal an economic agreement with Ecuador within "a couple of weeks". The United States operated a military base at the Pacific port of Manta, which was closed in 2009. However, Noboa has taken steps to amend Ecuador's constitution to allow a return of US forces. If invited, the US would consider returning to Ecuador seriously.
Ecuador owes billions of dollars to China after an infrastructure agreement. Despite this, Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld wants to see the Americas region free of threats from transnational organized crime and terrorist groups. Sommerfeld promised to continue assistance in curbing migration, which is one of Trump's top priorities.
In conclusion, the meeting between Rubio and Noboa signifies a potential shift in the relationship between the US and Ecuador. With the US focusing on combating criminal groups and Ecuador seeking economic ties, both countries may find common ground in the near future.
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