QUITO, Ecuador — The United States will designate two of Ecuador’s most powerful gangs — Los Lobos and Los Choneros — as foreign terrorist organizations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during a one day visit to the South American country on Thursday.

The move allows Washington to freeze assets, target associates and share intelligence with Ecuador for what Rubio described as “potentially lethal” operations. He pledged $13.5 million in security assistance and $6 million in drone technology to support Ecuador’s fight against organized crime.

Drug-fueled organized crime in Ecuador, reaches new levels

Organized drug gangs are threatening to consume Ecuador in some of the worst violence seen in years. How did it get this bad and what are the governments options?

“These guys don’

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