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US designates Ecuadorian gang as foreign terrorist entity

By Geopolitics Desk · 2026-09-09 · Updated 2026-09-09 22:34 UTC
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Illustration: Tradingbird

The US State Department has officially designated Los Tiguerones as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, blocking their assets and citing their role in drug trafficking and violent attacks, including the 2024 takeover of a local TV station. This latest move expands the administration's counter-narcotics strategy, which has already targeted numerous other criminal groups across Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil.

  • According to GN geopolitics/terror (en-US), the State Department highlighted the gang's involvement in the 2024 armed seizure of an Ecuadorian television broadcast, while noting that Rubio is currently touring Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to strengthen regional security cooperation.

    Source: GN geopolitics/terror (en-US)
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Los Tiguerones, citing its role in drug trafficking and violence against officials in Ecuador.

    Source: GN geopolitics/terror (en-US)
Based on reporting by GN geopolitics/terror (en-US) and GN geopolitics/terror (en-US), compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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