>>/177133/

Who are the Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, "Designated Terrorist Organizations" include a mix of domestic criminal gangs and international groups. As of early March 2026, the Ecuadorian government and the United States have collaborated on military operations specifically targeting these groups. 

Ecuadorian Domestic Designations
In January 2024, the Ecuadorian government officially designated several criminal gangs as terrorist organizations following a surge in violence. The primary groups include: 
    Los Choneros: One of Ecuador's oldest and most powerful gangs, involved in drug trafficking and large-scale prison violence.
    Los Lobos: Originally a faction of Los Choneros, they are now its main rival and are considered the largest drug-trafficking organization in the country.
    Los Tiguerones: Another major gang that has been a frequent target of government security operations. 

International Designations by Ecuador
The government has also designated several international groups as terrorist organizations due to their presence or influence in the region: 
    Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
    Hamas
    Hezbollah

U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) Designations
The U.S. State Department has also designated several groups operating in Ecuador as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This status allows for increased military and financial pressure, including joint operations like the one launched on March 3, 2026. 
    Los Choneros and Los Lobos: Formally designated as FTOs by the U.S. in September 2025.
    Tren de Aragua (TdA): A Venezuelan-based gang that operates extensively across Ecuador and South America, designated as an FTO in early 2025.
    Mexican Cartels: Groups like the Sinaloa Cartel and Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which provide logistics and funding to Ecuadorian gangs, are also designated as FTOs. 

For additional details on current security status and travel risks, see the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for Ecuador. 

google AI

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-04/us-ecuador-launch-operation-against-terrorist-organizations
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/09/terrorist-designations-of-los-choneros-and-los-lobos
https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations
https://pe.usembassy.gov/terrorist-designations-of-los-choneros-and-los-lobos
https://www.dni.gov/nctc/terrorist_groups/los_choneros.html
https://py.usembassy.gov/designation-of-international-cartels
https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-ecuador-launch-joint-operations-targeting-narco-terror-groups-southcom