United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated two Ecuador-based gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as “foreign terrorist organizations” during a visit to Ecuador.
The announcement came after Rubio met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Naboa in Quito, underscoring the US’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.
“Frankly, it’s a war. It’s a war on killers. It’s a war on terror,” Rubio said, describing the designations as part of a broader effort by the US to combat Latin American cartels.
Rubio emphasized that these gangs were responsible for more than just trafficking, highlighting their records of violence. “These are not narco traffickers. These are narco terrorists who terrorize the countries they operate in”.
The designation of these gangs as foreign terrorist organizations allows the US to target their assets, properties, and monies in the US or in the US banking system.
It also boosts intelligence-sharing capabilities with foreign governments. Rubio explained that this move would enable the US to “go against the assets, properties and monies of any individual in the US or in the US banking system related to these groups”.
The US military recently conducted a lethal strike against a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 people on board.
President Donald Trump announced the strike, stating that the boat was transporting illegal narcotics and heading to the US. The incident has raised questions about the legality and implications of such actions under international law.
Rubio defended the strike, framing it as a necessary measure against narco-terrorism. However, experts have questioned the legitimacy of the action, expressing concerns about the use of military force against suspected drug traffickers.
“Labelling everyone a terrorist does not make them a lawful target and enables states to side-step international law,” said Professor Michael Becker of Trinity College Dublin.
The US strike on the Venezuelan boat has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemning the action as an “extrajudicial arbitrary killing”.
Maduro has also accused the US of seeking regime change through military threats. The US, on the other hand, has maintained that its actions are aimed at disrupting the operations of drug cartels in the region.
In response to the growing US military presence in the Caribbean, Maduro has urged millions of Venezuelans to join nationalist “militias” to defend Venezuela. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in a war of words and posturing.
Rubio’s visit to Ecuador also resulted in agreements to increase security funding for the South American country, boost cooperation on migration, and progress towards a free trade agreement.
The new security commitments include $13 million in general security funding for Ecuador and $6 million for drones for the Ecuadorian Navy.
Rubio said he would also consider re-establishing a military base in Ecuador, a prospect that Noboa has voiced support for, pending approval through a national referendum.
Newmen noted that Rubio’s visit underscored the shared commitment between Ecuador and the US to fighting drug trafficking and organized crime. “So a very successful visit from the point of view of both countries,” she said.
