Rubio's second visit to Ecuador deepens US security ties; experts urge trilateral strategy with Colombia, Peru

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's second visit to Ecuador secured new resources, equipment, and security agreements, reinforcing Quito as Washington's key anti-crime partner in the region. Experts note Ecuador's challenge lies in articulating a coordinated strategy with Colombia and Peru to address transnational crime. The visit signals a US pivot toward bilateral security cooperation in the Andean region, but the operational impact remains to be seen.