Rubio says US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed
Rubio says US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed
The secretary of state made the comments during a trip to Ecuador, where he announced new measures targeting criminal gangs.
Read the full article on BBC World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's core claim about Rubio's statement is verifiable, but the broader implications and context require careful consideration. There's a moderate bias due to the sensational nature of the statement and potential omission of legal and ethical concerns. The accuracy is mixed, as some claims are supported, while others lack sufficient context or raise concerns based on expert opinions mentioned in the sources.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Rubio says US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed.
- Verification Source #1: Quotes Rubio using similar language about 'blowing them up' in reference to narcoterrorist organizations.
- Verification Source #4: Reports Rubio saying U.S. will work with other nations to 'Blow Up' Crime Groups.
- Verification Source #5: Quotes Rubio saying they will help find these people and 'blow them up, if that's what it takes.'
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources confirm Rubio made this statement.
- Claim: The statement was made during a trip to Ecuador, where he announced new measures targeting criminal gangs.
- Verification Source #2: Reports Rubio saying U.S. is designating 2 Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist groups.
- Assessment: Supported. The trip to Ecuador and announcement of measures targeting gangs are confirmed.
- Claim: Attacks like Tuesday's boat bombing are likely illegal under international law.
- Verification Source #3: Experts say that attacks like Tuesday's boat bombing are likely illegal under international law, which limits military actions on vessels.
- Assessment: Supported. Al Jazeera cites experts who raise concerns about the legality of such actions under international law.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: '... when you blow them up, when you get rid of them. So they were designated as what they are – they are narcoterrorist organizations.'
- Source 3: 'Experts say that attacks like Tuesday's boat bombing are likely illegal under international law...'
- Source 5: '“They're going to help us find these people and blow them up, if that's what it takes.'