US Designates Ecuador's Los Tiguerones Gang as Terrorist Organization > 월드뉴스

The United States has officially designated Ecuador's Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist organization. This announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Quito, where he met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. The designation is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to combat narcotics traffickers that are deemed to destabilize Latin America. Rubio described Los Tiguerones as linked to narcotics trafficking and violent attacks against civilians, law enforcement, and journalists. He emphasized that the gang is not merely a mafia but a terrorist group equipped with military-grade weapons. The gang's notoriety escalated following a violent attack on the TC Televisión network in 2024, which led President Noboa to declare a state of "internal armed conflict." Rubio is seeking $45 million in additional funding from Congress to dismantle such terrorist groups and noted that elite forces from the US and Ecuador are collaborating in unprecedented ways to combat this issue. Rubio's Latin America tour also included discussions with newly elected conservative leaders in Colombia, further solidifying military partnerships in the region.

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has condemned Pauline Hanson and the One Nation party for a cartoon video that labels fellow veteran Andrew Hastie a traitor. The video follows Hastie's testimony against Ben Roberts-Smith in a defamation trial. Lambie criticized the cartoon as an attack on all veterans, stating that it reveals Hanson's "true colours." She called for the immediate removal of the video, describing it as disgusting and violent. Lambie expressed outrage at the portrayal of Hastie, emphasizing that attacking a veteran who served in Afghanistan is a cowardly act. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson also defended Hastie, stating that the accusations made by One Nation are unfounded and shameful. He criticized Hanson for failing to take responsibility for the content of the cartoon, which he believes undermines the integrity of those who serve in the military. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions within Australian politics regarding the treatment of veterans and the responsibilities of public figures.