overview

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated the United States will consider using lethal force, including potential military strikes, against foreign criminal organizations if necessary. This stance follows a recent military operation in the Caribbean Sea and a commitment to designate two Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.

Rubio’s Statements and Proposed Actions

During a visit to Ecuador, Rubio indicated the US is prepared to “blow up” foreign crime groups if required, potentially in collaboration with other nations. He expressed confidence that “co-operative governments” would assist in identifying individuals involved in smuggling.He further stated that the President intends to “wage war” on these groups, citing three decades of unchecked criminal activity.

When questioned about the possibility of “unilateral execution” of smugglers from US allies like Mexico and Ecuador, Rubio reiterated the expectation of assistance from friendly governments.

Recent Military Strike and Target Identification

The comments followed a US military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean sea on February 27, 2024. The White House reported that the operation resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected drug traffickers, but has not publicly released their identities.Reports from the BBC indicate that the operation targeted members of Tren de Aragua,a Venezuelan gang,as they transported illegal narcotics towards the US.

Designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The United States intends to designate two of Ecuador‘s largest criminal gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation carries significant legal and financial implications, allowing the US government to impose sanctions and criminalize support for these groups.

This move is unprecedented in the context of targeting criminal organizations rather than traditional terrorist