U.S. Designates Two Ecuadorian Drug Gangs as Terrorist Organizations

The U.S. has officially categorized two Ecuadorian gangs, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, as foreign terrorist organizations, according to a recent announcement by the State Department. This move allows the U.S. military to take more robust action against these groups, which are reportedly aligned with the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

In a notable development, President Donald Trump authorized a military strike targeting cartel activities following a deadly incident involving Tren de Aragua, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals off the coast of Venezuela.

“The United States will continue working closely with Ecuador and its president, Daniel Noboa, to keep illegal drugs off the streets and undermine the funding sources for drug cartels,” the State Department stated. It further emphasized the administration’s dedication to combating cartel-related violence and ensuring the safety of Americans.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Noboa in Quito to discuss strengthening U.S.-Ecuador relations, a collaboration he believes will help address issues like illegal immigration and enhance safety and prosperity in both nations. Rubio described the ongoing battle against these gangs as a war against fear and violence, asserting that the U.S. will not allow drug trafficking to undermine public safety.

Ecuador is grappling with significant crime rates and has faced a surge in gang-related violence, making it a pivotal route for the global cocaine trade. Rubio suggested that the designation of these gangs as terrorist organizations would facilitate greater intelligence sharing and financial actions against them, crucial steps in the fight against their operations.

He acknowledged that this new status could allow for “potentially deadly operations” to coalesce with shared intelligence, further intensifying efforts to counter these violent groups.