Rubio defends anti-drug boat strikes, warns of cartel ‘cancer’
U.S. Sec. of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press outside the U.S. embassy in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (AP Photo)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended controversial strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats during a visit to Ecuador on Sept. 9, arguing Latin American cartels would “eat these countries alive” if left unchecked.
Hailing a new generation of conservative leaders emerging across the region who are allied with President Donald Trump, Rubio said Washington was finding partners willing to be “very aggressive” against criminal groups.
Since Trump returned to power, the United States has embraced airstrikes against vessels plying known trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
