US Designates Ecuadorian Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Designation of Ecuadorian Gangs

• 🎯 Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of two Ecuadorian gangs, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
• 💡 This designation provides the US with more options to combat these groups in conjunction with the Ecuadorian government.
• 🇪🇨 The US is providing $13.5 million to aid Ecuador in its fight against drugs and crime, along with $6 million for drones (UAVs) for the Ecuadorian Navy.

Broader US-Ecuador Relations

• 🤝 The US seeks to broaden its relationship with Ecuador beyond security, aiming to strengthen economic ties.
• 📈 Both nations are close to reaching an agreement on a trade deal that is expected to be mutually beneficial.
• 🇺🇸 The US is committed to supporting Ecuador's efforts against narco-terrorist groups, recognizing the mutual threat these organizations pose.

Combating Narco-Terrorism

• ⚠️ Rubio emphasized that these groups are not just drug traffickers but narco-terrorists who commit acts of violence against governments and populations.
• 🔗 The flow of drugs and cash involves cooperation with foreign groups from Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico, impacting both countries.
• ⚖️ Modernizing the extradition treaty between the US and Ecuador is a priority to facilitate the prosecution of criminal leaders.
• 📈 The current Ecuadorian administration, under President Noboa, is commended for taking unprecedented action against these threats.