U.S. to Seek $45 Million and Send Six Vessels for Ecuador Security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after meeting President Daniel Noboa in Quito that the administration will ask Congress for $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador. He announced a separate $10 million effort targeting illegal gold mining, gang recruitment and illicit finance. Rubio said Washington will provide Ecuador’s navy with a 110-foot Coast Guard cutter and five interceptor vessels in coming months, in addition to seven interceptors delivered this year, as Washington expands cooperation against organized crime. The $45 million request still requires congressional approval.