Rubio defends US strikes on boats, warns of drug cartel ‘cancer’

During a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended controversial US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats. Rubio argued that Latin American cartels pose a significant threat and would harm countries if not actively combatted. He highlighted that the United States is finding partners among a new generation of conservative leaders in the region who are willing to be aggressive against criminal groups. Since President Trump's return to power, the US has adopted air strikes against vessels on known trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.