U.S. Labels Ecuadorian Gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos Terrorist Groups

The U.S. State Department has officially designated Ecuadorian gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), a move announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

This designation aims to increase pressure on these gangs, which have been linked to significant violence and drug trafficking operations in Ecuador. Rubio stated that the gangs pose a serious threat to regional stability and U.S. national security interests. The move underscores escalating concerns over the rise of organized crime in the country, particularly as Ecuador grapples with increasing homicide rates.

Los Choneros, known for their involvement in the narcotics trade, and Los Lobos, which has gained notoriety for violent turf wars, have become symbols of the deteriorating security situation in Ecuador. Earlier this year, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency in response to rising gang violence, which has led to high-profile assassinations and public unrest.

The U.S. designation allows for the imposition of sanctions against individuals linked to these organizations, restricting their access to global financial systems. As previously reported, similar situations have arisen in other regions facing gang violence, highlighting a growing trend of international responses to local threats. The U.S. government aims to collaborate with Ecuador to combat these threats effectively.

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