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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