US Designates Ecuador’s Chone Killers Gang as Terrorist Organization
US designates Ecuador s Chone Killers – The U.S. Department of State has taken a significant step in its campaign against transnational criminal networks by formally labeling the Ecuadorian gang known as the Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation, announced on Wednesday, marks the culmination of months of diplomatic and military coordination between Washington and Quito, aiming to bolster regional security efforts in the Americas.
Key Statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
In a press release, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the threat posed by the Chone Killers, describing their operations as a “clear and present danger” to public safety. “This group has carried out brutal attacks against civilians, law enforcement, and government targets, including the assassination of high-ranking officials,” Rubio stated, underscoring the gang’s role in destabilizing Ecuador’s political and social landscape.
“Chone Killers is an Ecuadorian gang that has committed numerous attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers, and government officials, including high-profile assassinations of public officials,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
Rubio further highlighted the gang’s ties to international drug trafficking, noting that Ecuadorian groups “assist Mexican cartels in smuggling and exporting illicit narcotics.” This revelation adds a new layer to the U.S. strategy of targeting drug networks across borders, with the aim of cutting off financial resources and operational support for criminal enterprises.
Ecuador’s Role in the Drug Trade
The move aligns with Ecuador’s longstanding position as a critical hub for drug trafficking in South America. According to the country’s foreign ministry, the partnership with the U.S. is “fundamental to dismantling transnational mafias and guaranteeing the safety, stability, and peace of all Ecuadorians.” This statement, shared on the social platform X, reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the shared interest in combating organized crime.
Ecuador’s foreign ministry praised the announcement, stating on X in a translation from Spanish that cooperation with the U.S. is “fundamental to dismantling transnational mafias and guaranteeing the safety, stability and peace of all Ecuadorians.”
The designation also brings attention to the broader network of criminal groups operating in Ecuador. Specifically, the Chone Killers split from Los Choneros, a faction previously identified by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization. The State Department’s decision to label both groups came after Rubio’s September visit to Ecuador, where he reportedly discussed the importance of targeting these organizations to disrupt their activities.
Regional Collaboration and Past Operations
Earlier this year, the U.S. initiated joint operations with Ecuadorian armed forces against “designated terrorist organizations” in Latin America. At the time, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa asserted that the U.S. had become a “regional ally” in the fight against drug cartels, citing Ecuador’s strategic location as a key transit point for cocaine shipments. “About 70 percent of the world’s cocaine moves through Ecuadorian ports,” Noboa stated, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in the drug trade.
This collaboration underscores the U.S. commitment to a coordinated approach in the region. However, Noboa’s methods have faced scrutiny both domestically and internationally. In March 2024, he authorized a police operation at Mexico’s Embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas, a former vice president and fugitive criminal. While the raid was framed as a necessary measure to combat corruption, critics argued it risked straining diplomatic ties with Mexico.
Broader Strategy Under the Trump Administration
The designation of the Chone Killers is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to combat drug cartels across Latin America. This includes targeting groups like Tren de Aragua in Venezuela, where U.S. forces conducted a successful raid in Caracas, capturing Nicolás Maduro on drug-smuggling charges. The operation, described by Trump as an “armed conflict” with regional cartels, has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising its boldness and others questioning its long-term effectiveness.
Recent actions by U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) have also intensified. Days before the Chone Killers’ designation, Southcom launched a strike that eliminated Tren de Aragua leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero. This event was seen as a major blow to the group’s leadership, though it also raised concerns about civilian casualties and the escalation of military intervention in the region.
Controversial Strikes in the Caribbean
Additionally, the U.S. has expanded its operations to the Caribbean, where it has carried out a series of controversial strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Since early September, these actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 212 individuals, including fishermen, crew members, and suspected traffickers. While officials argue these strikes are essential for curbing drug trafficking, human rights organizations have criticized the lack of precision and the potential for collateral damage.
The Trump administration’s focus on military and law enforcement actions has been a defining feature of its approach to drug-related crime. By designating the Chone Killers as a terrorist organization, the U.S. aims to legitimize its role in the region’s security while encouraging Ecuador to take stronger measures against its own criminal networks. This strategy reflects a shift toward viewing drug cartels as terrorist entities, a classification that carries legal and political weight in international relations.
Implications for Ecuador and the Region
Ecuador’s government has welcomed the designation, seeing it as a validation of its efforts to combat organized crime. However, the move also raises questions about the country’s internal challenges. The Chone Killers’ activities have been linked to a pattern of violence that has destabilized communities and created a climate of fear. By labeling the group as a terrorist entity, the U.S. hopes to strengthen its partnership with Ecuador and pressure the government to address domestic security concerns more aggressively.
The designation of the Chone Killers and their affiliated groups is a strategic move that positions the U.S. as a key player in the fight against transnational crime. It also signals a willingness to take a hard line against drug trafficking, even if it means designating domestic groups as foreign threats. As the Trump administration continues its aggressive stance, the impact on Ecuador’s political and social fabric will depend on how effectively the government can leverage this designation to combat the gang’s influence.
