Trump list of US-designated ‘foreign terrorist organizations’ in Latin America grows to 21

The Trump administration has expanded its list of Latin American and Caribbean criminal groups designated as "foreign terrorist organizations" to 21. The latest addition is an Ecuadorian group. This designation, previously used for groups like ISIS or al-Qaida, now targets money-focused crime rings. The move is part of the administration's strategy to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The announcement came during Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The strategy has resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and dozens of attacks on alleged "narcoterrorist" boats. Mexico, with eight groups on the list, has the most.