U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: U.S. committed to helping Ecuador on security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: U.S. committed to helping Ecuador on security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa on Thursday to discuss bolstering security cooperation in the violence-plagued country. The visit comes two days after U.S. forces claimed to have blown up an alleged drug-running boat from a gang tied to Venezuela's leftist government, killing 11 people [1].

Ecuador, once one of Latin America's safest countries, has seen a surge in violence, transforming it into one of the region's most dangerous. President Noboa has deployed troops to combat this escalating threat. The meeting between Rubio and Noboa is expected to focus on strengthening security measures and cracking down on criminal groups [2].

Rubio, a Cuban-American and vocal critic of the region's leftists, has been advocating for a tougher stance against criminal groups. He has previously spoken about the need for more aggressive actions against these groups, stating that routine policing measures have not been effective [2].

The U.S. has a history of involvement in Ecuador's security, operating a military base at the Pacific port of Manta until 2009 when then-president Rafael Correa refused to renew the lease. Noboa has expressed interest in allowing U.S. forces to return, although a U.S. official downplayed the possibility of an imminent return of a military presence [2].

Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg has welcomed greater cooperation with the United States, stating that the U.S. has been a constant source of assistance in various issues and that more agreements are expected to enhance the country's security [2].

The U.S. is also interested in Ecuador as a cautionary tale regarding the country's massive debt to China. The U.S. sees China as a top global adversary and has been actively working to counter its influence [2].

In conclusion, Secretary Rubio's visit to Ecuador highlights the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening security cooperation in the region. The meeting with President Noboa is expected to yield agreements that will bolster Ecuador's security efforts and potentially re-establish U.S. involvement in the country's security landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3324392/us-secretary-state-marco-rubio-eyes-tough-security-ally-ecuador?utm_source=rss_feed
[2] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2614115/world