In a decisive move against organized crime, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of two Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. This announcement coincides with nearly $20 million in new funding and drone support provided by the U.S. to assist Ecuador in combating drug-related violence. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is committed to helping Ecuador in its anti-crime efforts and hinted at the possibility of deeper military cooperation. Additionally, he stated that the U.S. will take aggressive measures against drug smugglers from countries that do not cooperate, indicating a willingness to support military actions if necessary. This comes in the wake of heightened attention to the security situation in Latin America, as the U.S. deepens its ties with Ecuador through security accords and discussions on asylum seeker agreements.