US Secretary Marco Rubio detailed a new US strategy for combating drug trafficking in Latin American waters. The United States will now prioritize joint operations with allied nations, respecting their laws. This approach follows a year of unilateral strikes against alleged narcotraffickers in international waters. Ecuador has become a key partner, with joint efforts targeting criminal organizations.

The U.S. Southern Command has sunk another Ecuadorian vessel that the U.S. alleged was linked to the criminal group Los Choneros.

US sinks an Ecuadorian ship in the Pacific it alleges is tied to drug trafficking