Rubio Designates Los Tiguerones a Terrorist Group as U.S. Targets 3rd Ecuador Gang Since July
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Rubio Designates Los Tiguerones a Terrorist Group as U.S. Targets 3rd Ecuador Gang Since July
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Summary
Los Tiguerones became the latest Ecuador-based gang labeled both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States on Wednesday.
Rubio said the group helps Mexican cartels move illicit drugs and finances attacks on civilians, police and journalists, citing its role in the 2024 live takeover of an Ecuadorian TV station.
The designation follows July moves against Los Lobos and Los Choneros, widening Washington's use of terrorism sanctions against Ecuador's major criminal groups.
Quito framed the announcement during Rubio's visit as part of a three-country tour focused on tightening U.S. economic and security ties with Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
Will branding Ecuador's drug gangs as global terrorists stop cartel violence, or just trigger more human rights abuses in the crossfire?
How can businesses avoid federal prosecution when the U.S. targets highly fragmented shadow networks whose members are virtually impossible to identify?