US Pledges Aid to Ecuador Amid Drug Trafficking Violence
By Anya Sharma | WASHINGTON, D.C. – 2025/09/05 10:03:51
The United States is increasing its support for ecuador as the nation grapples with escalating violence from drug trafficking organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a nearly $20 million aid package during a visit on Thursday.
The aid aims to help Ecuador combat the growing power of drug cartels, with part of the funds earmarked for critical resources and equipment.Rubio also took a firm stance against Venezuelan leader Nicolás maduro, referring to him as a “American justice fugitive.”
US Designates Ecuadorian Groups as Terrorist Organizations
During his visit to Quito, heavily guarded at the presidential palace, secretary Rubio detailed the specifics of the aid package, including $6 million allocated for drones to enhance Ecuador’s surveillance and security capabilities.
In a significant move, the United States will designate Los Lobos and Choneros, two prominent criminal groups operating in Ecuador, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation will allow the US to directly target these groups with sanctions and other measures.
“This administration is facing as never before.”
Ecuador has been struggling to contain the surge in criminal activity, prompting President Noboa to deploy the Armed Forces to combat these groups. The rise of these cartels has transformed Ecuador into one of the most dangerous countries in the americas in recent years.
Secretary Rubio condemned the actions of these criminal organizations, describing them as “wild animals” and pledging the United States’ support in helping Ecuador subdue them. His visit comes just days after US forces destroyed a boat in the Caribbean, allegedly used for drug trafficking by a Venezuelan gang, resulting in 11 deaths.
