Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio completed a three‑country tour and on Wednesday formally designated Ecuador’s gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization to widen sanctions and prosecution options.
- Rubio announced new U.S. assistance for Ecuador including a congressional request for additional funds, a $10 million initiative to fight illegal mining and trafficking, and transfers of Coast Guard vessels for maritime patrols.
- Peru agreed to join the U.S.‑led security coalition Escudo de las Américas and signed a memorandum on artificial intelligence cooperation with Washington to deepen security and technology ties.
- China’s embassy in Lima issued a public rebuke defending Chinese investments and national sovereignty, with the Chancay port operated by Cosco flagged repeatedly as a flashpoint in the U.S.‑China contest.
- The U.S. campaign of maritime interdictions and public pressure on regional governments, including criticism of Mexico’s anti‑cartel efforts, raises human‑rights concerns and could reshape cooperation and operations across the Andes.