U.S. destroys another alleged drug boat as Rubio defends deadly strikes, says cartels are "like a cancer"

September 10, 2026 / 6:51 AM EDT

/ CBS/AFP

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended controversial strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats during a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday, arguing Latin American cartels would "eat these countries alive" if left unchecked. Hours later, the U.S. military confirmed it conducted another deadly strike in the Caribbean Sea. Hailing a new generation of conservative leaders emerging across the region who are allied with President Trump, Rubio said Washington was finding partners willing to be "very aggressive" against criminal groups. Since Mr. Trump returned to power, the U.S. has conducted airstrikes against vessels plying known trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. According to Pentagon figures, the operations have killed more than 200 people. Rights groups, fishermen and their relatives have questioned the campaign, alleging vessels were targeted without sufficient evidence of links to trafficking. Experts have also questioned whether they do anything to curb the flow of cocaine and other drugs to the United States -- the world's largest consumer. Speaking after talks with President Daniel Noboa in Quito, Rubio said the operations would continue.