"QUITO, Ecuador 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."
"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.S. private military contractor Erik Prince have recently stalled. According to Ecuadorian government data, roughly 70% of the world's cocaine now transits through the country, shipped from neighboring Colombia and Peru to markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia."
The United States will label Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling asset freezes, targeting of associates and enhanced intelligence sharing with Ecuador. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged $13.5 million in security assistance and $6 million in drone technology to aid Ecuador's efforts against organized crime. President Daniel Noboa declared a war on organized crime amid surging violence and migration, and has sought greater U.S. and European involvement, including possible foreign military bases if invited. Ecuadorian data indicate roughly 70% of the world's cocaine now transits through Ecuador, fueling cartel violence and regional instability.
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