The US has designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its involvement in narcotics trafficking and attacks on civilians, law enforcement, and journalists.
The US has designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist organisation, marking a key step in the Trump administration’s campaign against narcotics traffickers in Latin America. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement during a visit to Ecuador, where he met with President Daniel Noboa, a rightwing ally of Trump. The designation follows the gang’s 2024 attack on a television station, which led Noboa to declare a state of internal armed conflict. Rubio emphasized that Los Tiguerones is not an ordinary criminal group but a terrorist organisation with weapons and equipment comparable to national armies.
Rubio highlighted the gang’s involvement in attacks on civilians, law enforcement officers, and journalists. The attack on TC Televisión, captured in live footage showing members armed with pistols, shotguns, machine guns, grenades, and dynamite, became a symbol of the drug violence destabilising Ecuador. The Trump administration has also expanded its security cooperation with rightwing leaders in the region through the ‘Shield of the Americas’ coalition. During his three-nation tour, Rubio met with newly elected conservative leaders, including Ecuador’s Noboa and Colombia’s Abelardo De La Espriella, to strengthen efforts against narcotics trafficking and illegal migration.
Why it matters
The designation strengthens US-Ecuador security cooperation and signals a shift in US policy toward combating drug trafficking in the region.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Congress may approve additional funding for efforts to dismantle Los Tiguerones and other designated groups.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.