US-led Americas coalition backs sanctions against crime groups

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump called for a US-led coalition in Latin America to impose sanctions on 24 criminal networks, hours after labeling drug cartels as the "ISIS of the Western Hemisphere." The "Shield of the Americas," a group of pro-US administrations, issued a joint statement announcing their intent to freeze assets, restrict visas, and seek criminal liability for members and supporters of these 24 criminal organizations.

The list includes notorious groups such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) from Central America and Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang with operations in Colombia, Peru, and Chile. Additionally, major Mexican cartels, Colombian armed groups like the ELN, and Brazil's Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho groups are also targeted.

Peruvian Shining Path was also included in the list. Trump urged countries to apply "crushing sanctions" against all 24 US-designated foreign terrorist organizations.