Fact Check: Los Choneros gang designated as a terror organization by Ecuador.

Fact Check: "Los Choneros gang designated as a terror organization by Ecuador"

What We Know

The claim that the Los Choneros gang has been designated as a terrorist organization by Ecuador is partially true. On January 9, 2024, following a significant escalation in violence attributed to various gangs, including Los Choneros, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict. This declaration included the designation of 22 gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist organizations (source-2). The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had previously sanctioned Los Choneros and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar (alias "Fito"), citing their involvement in drug trafficking and violence (source-1).

Analysis

The designation of Los Choneros as a terrorist organization stems from a broader context of escalating violence in Ecuador. The gang has been linked to numerous violent incidents, including the assassination of political figures and attacks on media outlets (source-1). President Noboa's actions were part of a larger strategy to combat drug-related violence, which has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, fueled by rivalries with other gangs and international drug cartels (source-4).

However, the term "terrorist organization" is often used in a specific legal context, particularly in relation to international law and U.S. sanctions. While the Ecuadorian government has made this designation, it is essential to note that the U.S. Treasury's sanctions against Los Choneros were based on their narcotics-related activities rather than a formal designation as a terrorist organization under U.S. law (source-1). This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the difference between domestic designations and international legal definitions.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include official statements from the U.S. Treasury and credible news reports. However, the evolving nature of the situation in Ecuador means that the context may change rapidly, and ongoing developments should be monitored.

Conclusion

The claim that Los Choneros has been designated as a terrorist organization by Ecuador is partially true. The gang has indeed been labeled as such by the Ecuadorian government in response to escalating violence and criminal activity. However, this designation is part of a broader strategy to combat drug-related violence and does not necessarily align with international definitions of terrorism. The U.S. sanctions against Los Choneros were primarily focused on their narcotics activities rather than a formal terrorist designation.