US announces $45m in security funding, additional naval vessels for Ecuador

United States President Donald Trump’s administration will seek $45m in security funding for Ecuador, as part of its cooperation with the country’s right-wing government.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the pledge during a visit to the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3What the US militarisation of Latin America could look likelist 2 of 3Rubio heads to Ecuador, Colombia, Peru after right-wing victories in regionlist 3 of 3Marco Rubio says US seeks more economic and security ties in Latin Americaend of listHe also praised the government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as being “the most involved and aggressive partner” the US has had in its work dismantling criminal networks and “bringing people to justice that have never been brought to justice before”.In addition to the $45m security package, Rubio said the Trump administration would launch a $10m initiative to tackle illegal gold mining, gang recruitment and drug trafficking.It would also give a coast guard cutter ship and five interceptor vessels to help Ecuador’s navy, adding to previous seven previous vessels the US delivered earlier this year.Rubio’s stop in ...