World News

United States labels Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones a terrorist organisation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation in Quito alongside a $45 million funding proposal.

Updated Sep 11, 2026 · 07:48 UTC5 reports

The short version

The Trump administration formally designated Ecuador-based gang Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organisation and a specially designated global terrorist.[Fox News · Fox News]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move in Quito during talks with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.[Fox News · The Guardian]
Officials stated the gang is tied to narcotics trafficking and assaults against journalists, civilians, and law enforcement.[Fox News · The Guardian]
Washington plans to ask Congress for $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador amid criticism over civilian deaths from maritime counter-narcotics strikes.[France 24 · The Guardian · Al Jazeera]

The United States designated the Ecuadorian crime syndicate Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organisation and a specially designated global terrorist.[Fox News · Fox News]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation during a visit to Quito while meeting with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.[Fox News · The Guardian]
US officials stated that Los Tiguerones is involved in drug trafficking and violent attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers, and journalists.[Fox News · The Guardian]
The Trump administration revealed it will seek $45 million in new security assistance from the US Congress for Ecuador.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]

Critics and human rights organizations have questioned anti-narcotics operations, alleging civilian casualties and extrajudicial killings occurred without verified links to trafficking.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.