Rubio says US is working with allies to counter drugs but will 'still blow up ships if need be'

On Wednesday in Quito, Ecuador, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the Trump administration's approach to combating drug trafficking and transnational criminal groups in Latin American waters. During his visit, the second leg of a regional tour, Rubio hailed Ecuador as the most aggressive partner in the U.S. counterdrug push within the Western Hemisphere.

While emphasizing that the U.S. is working collaboratively with allied countries and aligning with their domestic law enforcement efforts, Rubio also maintained a hardline stance. He stated that the United States would still "blow up ships if need be" in its ongoing efforts to counter illicit drug operations in the region.