Los Tiguerones designated as foreign terrorist organization by United States

Los Tiguerones foreign terrorist organization Marco Rubio transnational crime Escudo de las Américas

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization. The announcement was made during Rubio’s visit to Quito, where he met with President Daniel Noboa.

Los Tiguerones, which emerged from the Los Choneros gang, is identified by U.S. officials as a logistical arm for Mexican drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, facilitating the movement and export of narcotics. The group is noted for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and illegal arms trading.

The designation is part of the ‘Escudo de las Américas’ initiative, a regional strategy aimed at building a coalition against transnational criminal organizations. As part of this deepening security cooperation, the United States will provide Ecuador with additional resources, including $45 million in financial aid for combating organized crime and $10 million specifically to fight illegal mining and illicit financial operations. The security package also includes maritime support, such as a 110-foot Coast Guard vessel and five interceptor boats for the Ecuadorian Navy.

Entities

Daniel Noboa · Ecuador · Los Tiguerones · Marco Rubio · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Ecuador is considered the principal regional ally for the United States in confronting transnational criminal threats. www.telesurenglish.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Los Tiguerones carried out an armed takeover of TC Televisión on January 9, 2024. www.periodistadigital.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The designation is part of the 'Escudo de las Américas' initiative to create a regional coalition against transnational criminal organizations. www.periodistadigital.com
[● 6 SOURCES] U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization. www.periodistadigital.com · www.telesurenglish.net · rpp.pe · laopinion.com · www.newsday.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The United States will provide Ecuador with additional security resources, including money and patrols. www.periodistadigital.com · www.telesurenglish.net · www.prensa-latina.cu
[● 2 SOURCES] The United States will allocate USD 10 million to combat illegal mining and illicit financial operations in Ecuador. www.prensa-latina.cu
[○ 1 SOURCE] The security package includes a 110-foot Coast Guard vessel and five interceptor boats for the Ecuadorian Navy.
[● 3 SOURCES] Los Tiguerones serve as a logistical arm for Mexican drug cartels, facilitating drug movement and export. laopinion.com · www.periodistadigital.com · www.telesurenglish.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Los Tiguerones is the fourth Ecuadorian criminal group to be designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. rpp.pe · lapatilla.com