Title: The U.S.’ Designation of Ecuador’s Gangs as Terrorists – A Game-Changer in the Fight Against Organized Crime? The United States has taken an unprecedented step by designating two of Ecuador’s most powerful gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations. This move allows Washington to freeze assets, target associates, and share intelligence with Ecuador for potentially lethal operations against these criminal groups. The decision was announced during a one-day visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the South American country. The designation comes at a crucial time when violence in Ecuador has surged due to organized crime activities, particularly drug trafficking. According to government data, approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine now transits through Ecuador, shipped from neighboring Colombia and Peru to markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This surge in cartel violence has fueled migration from Ecuador, sending more Ecuadorians to the U.S. border. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, a close ally of the U.S. administration, declared a “war” on organized crime earlier this year after being reelected. His efforts have included a security deal with U.S. private military contractor Erik Prince. However, these initiatives seem to have stalled recently. The designation of Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations could be a game-changer in the fight against organized crime in Ecuador. It opens up new avenues for intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Ecuador, which can help dismantle these criminal groups more effectively. Moreover, it sends a strong message to other gangs operating within or outside of Ecuador that they will face severe consequences if they continue their illegal activities. From my perspective, this move by the United States is significant because it demonstrates a commitment to combating organized crime not only in its own territory but also abroad. It shows that international cooperation is essential in tackling transnational criminal organizations like Los Lobos and Los Choneros who pose threats not just to individual countries but also to global security. In conclusion, the designation of Ecuador’s most powerful gangs as foreign terrorist organizations marks a crucial step forward in the fight against organized crime. It signals increased international cooperation and highlights the importance of tackling transnational criminal activities head-on. Only time will tell if this move leads to tangible results in dismantling these dangerous groups, but it certainly sets an important precedent for future efforts in combating global organized crime.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/04/nx-s1-5529328/ecuador-rubio-drug-gangs-designated-terrorists)
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