The U.S. is designating Ecuador’s two largest gangs — Los Choneros and Los Lobos — as foreign terrorist organizations.
The United States will designate two of Ecuador’s most powerful gangs — Los Lobos and Los Choneros — as foreign terrorist organizations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during a one day visit to the South American country on Thursday.
The move allows Washington to freeze assets, target associates and share intelligence with Ecuador for what Rubio described as “potentially lethal” operations. He pledged $13.5 million in security assistance and $6 million in drone technology to support Ecuador’s fight against organized crime.
“These guys don’t usually go down willingly”, Rubio said, speaking of the two gangs, whom he referred to as “vicious animals.” The new designation “opens up the aperture” for sharing intelligence that Ecuador can use against them.
Rubio met with Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, a close ally of the U.S. administration, in the capital, Quito. Noboa has made frequent trips to Washington, D.C., and Mar-a-Lago, including a meeting with President Trump. Reelected earlier this year, Noboa declared a “war” on organized crime as violence in Ecuador surged.
Initially praised for cracking down on traffickers, Noboa’s efforts — including a security deal with U.
