Rubio visits Ecuador as Trump-friendly leader helps the US counterdrug push in the region

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Ecuador on the second leg of a three-nation tour of South America aimed at boosting security cooperation with conservative leadersQUITO, Ecuador -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Ecuador on Wednesday on the second leg of a three-nation tour of South America aimed at boosting security cooperation with conservative leaders who have cozied up to President Donald Trump, especially in the administration's push to crack down on drug trafficking.After spending Tuesday in Colombia meeting with new conservative firebrand President Abelardo de la Espriella, Rubio was traveling to Quito for talks with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who has rapidly embraced the Trump administration’s get-tough stance on counternarcotics operations and illegal immigration.Ecuador has struggled to contain drug violence since 2021 as rival cartels partner with local gangs and battle for control of routes and coastal ports used to smuggle cocaine. The country is wedged between Colombia and Peru, the world’s top cocaine-producing countries.Under Noboa, Ecuador has become a strong U.S. partner in counterdrug efforts in the region. Coinciding with Rubio’s tri...