Summary
During a visit to Ecuador, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled two Ecuadorian gangs as "foreign terrorist organizations." The designation is part of the U.S.'s strategy to combat organized crime in Latin America by treating these gangs like terrorist groups. Rubio's visit led to new security agreements and increased cooperation between the U.S. and Ecuador.
Key Facts
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Ecuador and called two gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, “foreign terrorist organizations.”
- The U.S. is categorizing Latin American gangs as terrorist groups as part of its approach to combat organized crime.
- This classification aims to target the financial assets of the gangs and enhance intelligence-sharing.
- Rubio announced new U.S. security funding for Ecuador, including $13 million for general security and $6 million for naval drones.
- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Rubio discussed increasing military cooperation, including potentially re-establishing a U.S. military base.
- There were discussions on improving migration and trade ties between the U.S. and Ecuador.
- A recent U.S. military action against a gang-linked boat from Venezuela was noted, but Rubio indicated military strikes would not occur in "cooperating countries" like Ecuador.
