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U.S. Designates Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones Gang as Terrorist Group
Confirmed
In Short: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its involvement in drug trafficking and attacks on civilians.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a foreign terrorist organization on Wednesday, according to reports. The move comes as part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal groups in the region, following the designation of three other groups in July.
Rubio, who was visiting Quito, Ecuador, as part of a three-nation tour, made the announcement during a press conference. He highlighted the gang's involvement in drug trafficking and attacks on civilians, law enforcement, and journalists, emphasizing their 'violent, bloodthirsty' nature.
The U.S. will also target corrupt officials accused of collaborating with these terrorist organizations, Rubio said. The designation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle these groups, with elite forces from both countries working jointly to combat them.
During the press conference, Rubio cited a recent incident where armed gunmen infiltrated the studio of TC Television in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during a live broadcast. He also mentioned that the U.S. had intercepted and sunk a vessel linked to the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Choneros.
Rubio announced that the U.S. would ask Congress for $45 million to continue funding efforts to dismantle these terrorist organizations. He did not specify how the funds would be used, but emphasized the importance of the funding in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and criminal activity in the region.
What's still developing
- Ecuador has also been assisting the United States as it intercepts and sinks vessels, including one on Tuesday that Washington said had links to the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Choneros.