US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the pledge during a visit to Quito on Wednesday, praising Ecuador as the US's 'most involved and aggressive partner' in dismantling criminal networks. In addition to the $45m security package, the Trump administration will launch a $10m initiative to combat illegal gold mining, gang recruitment, and drug trafficking. The US will also provide a coast guard cutter ship and five interceptor vessels to Ecuador's navy, adding to seven previous vessels delivered earlier this year. Rubio also designated the Ecuador-based drug trafficking ring Los Tiguerones as a 'foreign terrorist organization'.