Rubio says US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed

September 5, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the U.S. will designate Ecuadorian gangs Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations and potentially take military action against criminal groups trafficking drugs to the U.S. During a visit to Ecuador, Rubio stated that "friendly governments" would help identify smugglers, though neither Ecuador nor Mexico has explicitly agreed to assist with military strikes. This announcement follows a recent U.S. military strike in the Caribbean Sea that reportedly killed 11 drug traffickers and coincides with the U.S. committing $19. 5 million in security aid to Ecuador.

Who is affected

Ecuadorian criminal gangs Los Lobos and Los Choneros
Drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean region
The governments of Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela
Ecuadorian citizens affected by gang violence
Migrants fleeing cartel violence in Ecuador
Asylum seekers who may be impacted by the terrorist designation
People who have paid extortions to gangs (who might be penalized for "materially supporting" them)

What action is being taken

The U.S. is designating Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations
The U.S. is providing $13.5 million in security aid and $6 million in drone technology to Ecuador
The U.S. is carrying out military strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean
President Noboa is attempting to change Ecuador's constitution to allow foreign military bases
The U.S. is sharing intelligence with Ecuador without limitations

Why it matters

Violence in Ecuador has soared as criminal gangs battle for control over cocaine routes
About 70% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador
Cartel violence is driving migration from Ecuador to the U.S.
The terrorist designation enables the U.S. to target assets of anyone associated with these groups
The designation may have uncertain implications for asylum seekers who are victims of these groups
The U.S. military action represents an escalation in tactics against drug trafficking organizations

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC