US Designates Three Guatemala-Based Criminal Groups as Terrorist Organisations, Targets Cartel Financing Networks
Washington, November 13, 2026: The United States has announced new counterterrorism measures against three Guatemala-based criminal organisations accused of maintaining close operational and financial connections with Mexican drug cartels. The Trump Administration says the action is aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking, weakening cartel financing networks and combating violence linked to organised crime in Central America.
In a statement issued on November 13, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Department of State had designated Los Lorenzanas as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
Separately, the US Department of the Treasury designated two other Guatemalan groups, Los Huistas and Los Mendoza, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists for allegedly providing material support to Mexican cartels already designated by the United States.
Los Lorenzanas Accused of Widespread Violence
According to the US State Department, Los Lorenzanas is among Guatemala’s most powerful drug-trafficking networks. Washington alleges that the organisation has been involved in numerous violent incidents targeting civilians, government officials and military personnel in Guatemala.
The American administration further alleges that all three organisations maintain significant connections with Mexican criminal cartels and participate in the movement and export of illicit drugs. The resulting financial networks, according to US authorities, help sustain organised criminal and terrorist activities.
Washington Intensifies Its Campaign Against Narcoterrorism
The latest designations form part of the Trump Administration’s broader strategy to dismantle international drug-trafficking organisations and restrict the financial resources supporting violent criminal networks.
The US government has emphasised that it intends to employ all available legal and financial instruments to prevent illegal narcotics from entering American communities and disrupt the economic infrastructure of transnational criminal organisations.
Secretary Rubio stated that the United States would not tolerate criminal networks undermining Guatemala’s institutions through violence, corruption and illicit financial activities.
The administration also described the latest measures as evidence of its commitment to strengthening regional security and protecting American citizens from the consequences of international drug trafficking.
Legal Framework Behind the Designations
The measures have been adopted under several provisions of US law and executive authority, including:
- Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): Provides the legal framework for designating foreign organisations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- Executive Order 13224, as amended: Authorises sanctions against individuals and entities associated with terrorism.
- Executive Order 14059: Provides additional sanctions authority targeting international illicit drug trafficking.
The State Department clarified that the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of Los Lorenzanas will take effect upon publication in the US Federal Register.
The Treasury Department’s separate sanctions against Los Huistas and Los Mendoza are detailed in its accompanying announcement.
Regional Implications
The decision highlights Washington’s increasing focus on the connections between international drug cartels, organised criminal networks and terrorism-related financing.
Guatemala’s geographical position makes it an important country in the regional security landscape, particularly in relation to illicit drug transportation routes linking South America, Central America, Mexico and the United States.
By targeting organisations accused of facilitating these networks, the United States is seeking to increase pressure on the financial and logistical structures supporting transnational criminal activity.
However, the effectiveness of these measures will ultimately depend on enforcement, international cooperation, financial intelligence and the ability of regional governments to strengthen law enforcement institutions.
The latest action represents another significant development in the United States’ campaign against international narcotics trafficking and criminal networks operating across the Americas.
Source: US Department of State – Press Statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, November 13, 2026. Additional sanctions information: US Department of the Treasury.
By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
International Affairs | Security | Diplomacy
