Ecuador Declares Narco-Gang Leaders as Military Targets, Reveals Criminal Catalog

The Ecuadorian government has declared the leaders of narco-criminal gangs as military targets, revealing a criminal catalog of 11 individuals. The list includes prominent Mexican drug lord Ismael Mario Zambada García, alias 'El Mayo', the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Giovanny Andrés Rojas, alias 'Araña', the head of the Comandos de Frontera, a FARC dissident faction.

The government's move is part of its 'Plan Phoenix' strategy to eradicate insecurity and combat the crisis of violence, drug trafficking, and crime facing Ecuador. The criminal groups have been identified as terrorist organizations and non-state belligerent actors to be neutralized by the police and the armed forces.

Why this matters: Ecuador's declaration of narco-gang leaders as military targets emphasizes the country's escalating battle against drug trafficking and organized crime. The involvement of international cartels and dissident guerrilla groups highlights the complexity of the security challenges faced by the Ecuadorian government.

The criminal catalog is divided into three levels based on the individuals' importance and risk level. Other high-profile targets include José Adolfo Macías, alias 'Fito', a leader of the Los Fatales gang, considered the armed wing of the Los Choneros gang, and Wilmer Chavarría, alias 'Pipo', the alleged leader of the rival Los Lobos gang.

The government's announcement comes just three days before a proposed referendum that seeks to remove the prohibition on extraditing Ecuadorians and allow the military to permanently collaborate with the police in internal security. President Daniel Noboa has called for the referendum to ask Ecuadorians if they agree to toughen laws to confront these gangs.

Ecuador's role as a transit country for cocaine trafficking between Colombia and Mexico's drug cartels has become increasingly evident. The Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are reportedly operating in the country, with Ecuadorian criminal groups like Los Choneros serving as key players in the drug trade.

Interior Minister Juan Zapata stated, "We are facing a war against drug trafficking, against terrorism, against organized crime. These are organizations that have taken advantage of Ecuador's strategic location to turn it into a platform for international drug trafficking." The government's firm stance against narco-criminal gangs aims to restore security and combat the influence of international cartels in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Ecuador declares leaders of narco-criminal gangs as military targets
• Includes Mexican drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, FARC dissident Giovanny 'Araña' Rojas
• Part of 'Plan Phoenix' to combat violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime
• Proposed referendum to allow extradition of Ecuadorians and military-police collaboration
• Ecuador's role as a cocaine transit country for Mexican cartels like Sinaloa