U.S. to Classify Ecuador's Major Criminal Gangs as Terrorist Groups

During a visit to Quito, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States will classify two of Ecuador's significant gangs as foreign terrorist entities.

This decision empowers the U.S. to seize assets, crack down on allies, and exchange intelligence with Ecuador for operations described by Rubio as potentially deadly. He committed $13.5 million for security aid and $6 million for drone technology to aid Ecuador's efforts to combat organized crime.

Escalating Drug-Related Crime in Ecuador

Rubio, referring to the gangs as "ferocious creatures," noted that these groups usually resist surrender. The new classification enhances the sharing of vital intelligence that Ecuador can leverage.

Meeting with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, a consistent ally of the U.S., Rubio underscored the alliance. Noboa's administration has seen heightened violence as he declared a combat against organized crime. Although initially praised for tackling traffickers, efforts, including a security arrangement with the U.S. contractor Erik Prince, have lost momentum.

With around 70% of the world’s cocaine passing through Ecuador en route from Colombia and Peru to other continents, cartel-fueled violence is rising, prompting increased migration. Noboa has advocated for greater U.S. and European involvement and supports a referendum to permit foreign military installations in Ecuador, a first since 2009. Rubio indicated readiness to consider a base if Ecuador invited.

Regional Impact of New Terrorist Designations

Although these terror designations open up new U.S. strategies in Ecuador, they might also pose challenges for civilians. Asylum seekers may find them helpful when claiming terrorist victimization, but others who paid extortion might face penalties under material support laws.

In a broader regional context, Rubio's stop in Ecuador followed high-level dialogues in Mexico. U.S. pressure on Venezuela and potential additional military steps against gangs characterized these discussions. Despite some tensions over U.S. actions, diplomatic conversations with Mexican officials continued positively.

This more assertive U.S. stance suggests a firmer regional policy against drug-linked terrorism, with Ecuador positioned as a cooperative ally in this wider war on organized crime.