Trump targets drug cartels in Ecuador
Dana Perino reports on former President Donald Trump’s initiative to combat drug cartels in Ecuador. The U.S. is providing military and intelligence assistance to the South American nation, which is grappling with significant drug-related violence and has become a major cocaine exporter. This joint effort reflects a broader strategy to reassert U.S. influence and target transnational criminal groups, aiming for enhanced security in the region.
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The Trump administration increased pressure on crime cartels operating out of Brazil on Thursday by moving to classify two of the country’s biggest drug gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
The two syndicates — First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) — likely have more than 50,000 members combined, according to The Associated Press.
“Today, the U.S. Department of State is designating Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and intends to designate both groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective June 5, 2026,” the State Department said in a statement.
“CV and PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil. Together, they command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials and civilians. Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country,” the statement said.
US GOVERNMENT TAKING ‘DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT APPROACH’ USING TERRORISM CHARGES AGAINST DRUG CARTELS: FBI ALUM
Police oversee the incineration of 20 tons of drugs seized during operations by the Brazilian Federal Police at the Companhia Siderurgica Nacional ovens in Volta Redonda, Brazil. (Ernesto Carrico/NurPhoto, File)
The Trump administration, the department added, will continue to utilize all available tools to protect the…
