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.
