US Designates Ecuador Gangs Los Choneros, Los Lobos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The Trump administration, through U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has officially designated two Ecuadorian criminal groups, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. These gangs are linked to major Mexican cartels and are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent attacks against public officials and civilians in Ecuador, aiming to control drug routes. This designation enables the U.S. to impose sanctions, share actionable intelligence with Ecuador, and supports coordinated efforts to dismantle these groups, including financial aid and military assistance such as drones for Ecuador's Navy. The announcement follows the Trump administration's recent lethal strike on a Venezuelan gang's boat, signaling a more aggressive approach to combat narco-terrorism. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has expressed support for foreign involvement, including hosting U.S. forces, to bolster security against gangs. The move underscores the administration's commitment to intensify the fight against drug cartels and related terrorism in the region.