U.S. Senator Marco Rubio labels Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro as a drug trafficking fugitive evading the American judicial system

In a significant development, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, during an official visit to Quito, Ecuador, accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of being a "narco-terrorist" and a "fugitive from American justice." Rubio's visit marked a renewed push for cooperation between the United States and Ecuador in combating illegal immigration, transnational crime, and terrorism.

Rubio's statements came in the wake of a U.S. military presence off the coast of Venezuela, aimed at "waging war against drug cartels." The U.S. recently attacked a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, which was transporting drugs and crewed by members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. The attack left eleven dead, and the cargo was destined for the U.S. drug market.

The grand jury in New York has indicted Maduro for drug trafficking and terrorism charges. However, the latest American news related to Venezuela, Maduro, or Marco Rubio did not provide any new information in the article.

Rubio also emphasised the need to reduce Ecuador's dependence on China, a topic that has generated mixed reactions in several countries in the region. He met with Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and President Daniel Noboa to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration and security issues.

President Noboa thanked Rubio for U.S. support in eliminating terrorist threats. Mexico's Foreign Secretary, Ramón de la Fuente, reiterated his country's preference for "non-intervention" and the "peaceful resolution of conflicts."

The U.S. measure has been met with a range of reactions, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The Mendez Brothers, Erik and Lyle, currently incarcerated in California prisons, were not mentioned in the article in relation to these recent developments. Their recent parole requests were denied, but they can apply again in three years, and the California governor could potentially grant them a pardon. Their chances for parole are currently low due to prior prison violations and the gravity of their crimes, though their family and supporters continue to advocate for their release.

No information about a Trump-hosted tech giants gala dinner or Disney+ U.S. rankings was provided in the article. The article did not provide any new information about the U.S. military presence off the coast of Venezuela or the attack on a vessel transporting drugs.