US Labels Ecuador Gang a Terrorist Group Seeks Funding
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Quito, Ecuador on Wednesday. He announced new sanctions and a terrorist designation for the Los Tiguerones gang.
The US had already labeled three other Ecuadorian gangs terrorists. Los Tiguerones is now the fourth.
The designation includes two types of terrorist status under US law. Rubio said the US would seek $45 million more for Ecuador's security.
The money still needs approval from US Congress. The US also plans to send military equipment and ships to Ecuador.
This aims to help Ecuador fight drug trafficking and dismantle Los Tiguerones. Rubio met Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa during the visit.
He called Ecuador the Trump administration's most aggressive partner against drug trafficking. Los Tiguerones is known for storming an Ecuadorian TV station in 2024. That attack happened during a live broadcast.
Key Terms 3
- Marco Rubio US Secretary of State, the country's top diplomat under President Trump.
- Daniel Noboa The current President of Ecuador.
- Los Tiguerones An Ecuadorian gang linked to violent crime and a 2024 TV station attack.