US Designates Ecuador Gang 'Chone Killers' as Terrorist

The United States designated Ecuador's 'Chone Killers' gang as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization on May 2, 2024. This designation, announced by the Department of State, aims to disrupt the gang's operations and financial networks. The Chone Killers are implicated in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, and have contributed to the escalating violence in Ecuador.

This action by the US government aligns with and supports the efforts of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who declared an "internal armed conflict" in January 2024 to combat the surge in gang-related crime. The designation allows the US to impose sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the Chone Killers, freezing any assets they may have under US jurisdiction and prohibiting US persons from engaging in transactions with them. This move is intended to isolate the gang further and hinder its ability to operate internationally.

The Ecuadorian government has welcomed the US designation, viewing it as crucial international backing for President Noboa's comprehensive strategy to dismantle organized crime. The Chone Killers are one of several powerful gangs that have destabilized Ecuador, leading to widespread violence and a state of emergency. The US designation is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation in law enforcement and intelligence sharing to counter these transnational criminal threats more effectively.