U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Discusses Legal Review in Drug Smuggling Operations

Quito, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States conducts operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. He emphasized that each mission undergoes a legal review beforehand and is executed in accordance with agreements made with regional partner countries.

Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, Rubio explained that the approach taken depends on the country of the vessel, its location, and the nature of the threat it poses. He noted that recent operations have been conducted jointly in the territorial waters of partner nations.

Rubio clarified that the legality of actions is contingent upon the specific vessel and the risks it presents. When operating in the maritime zones of partner countries, the U.S. adheres to local laws and procedures. “The most important thing is that these trafficking routes are being disrupted. These paths are being closed,” he stated.

According to Rubio, each target undergoes a legal review by the Department of Defense. Decisions regarding operations are made based on various circumstances. He pointed out that these joint missions differ from unilateral actions taken in international waters earlier last year, highlighting that agreements on processes and rules are established between the U.S. and its partner nations.

When questioned about claims that three vessels were destroyed under a CIA covert program near the Galapagos Islands, Rubio declined to comment. He asserted that the U.S. has never concealed its campaign against boats used for drug trafficking. He added that these efforts have expanded in collaboration with regional countries.

“We have been doing this for over a year. The difference now is that we are working together with countries in the region, within their maritime areas, with their cooperation,” he explained.

In response to concerns about threats to fishermen, Rubio clarified that the focus of these operations is on drug traffickers, the boats used for smuggling, and illegal fishing activities. “Our goal is not to target fishermen. Our aim is to take action against drug traffickers,” he concluded.