Argentina Labels Five Latin American Groups as Terrorists
The government officially added five major criminal and guerrilla organizations to its national terrorism registry.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Terrorism
Live Poll
Should nations align their terrorism designations with U.S. security policies to combat transnational crime?
Argentina has officially designated five international crime and guerrilla groups as terrorist organizations. The move adds these entities to a national registry used to combat drug trafficking, kidnapping, and contract killings.
Why it matters
The administration aims to align its national security policies with those of the United States. This designation formalizes a tougher stance against transnational criminal operations within the region.
The designation covers the Sinaloa cartel, Nueva Familia Michoacana, Los Tiguerones, the ELN, and the FARC-EP. Argentina has received $13.35 million in U.S. funding to support its ongoing anti-trafficking unit.
The players
Sinaloa Cartel
This is a large, powerful criminal organization based in Mexico known for its extensive international drug trafficking operations.
National Liberation Army (ELN)
The ELN is an armed insurgent group based in Colombia that has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the state.
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP)
This organization is a faction originating from the historic Colombian guerrilla movement that maintains armed insurgent operations.
The details
The government published the designations in its official gazette, explicitly linking the identified groups to systemic organized crime activities. These groups are now subject to the same regulatory oversight and financing restrictions as other entities on the national terror list.
Timeline
In January 2024, Ecuador designated 22 organized crime groups as terrorist organizations.
In October 2025, Guatemala designated the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorist organizations.
In October 2026, Argentina designated five groups as terrorist organizations.
Legal Context
Argentina's decision follows the precedent established by Ecuador's January 2024 designation of 22 organized crime groups as terrorist organizations. This reflects a growing regional trend of using counter-terrorism statutes to prosecute transnational criminal networks.
The designation may lead to increased security measures and police scrutiny regarding the flow of capital and individuals linked to these groups. Residents should expect heightened official monitoring of financial transactions associated with suspected criminal entities.
The takeaway
This policy change shifts how international criminal groups are processed within the Argentine legal system by prioritizing counter-terrorism statutes over standard criminal code. Regional governments are increasingly coordinating these legal frameworks to counter the mobility of organized cartels.
Further reading
For broader analysis on security policy, visit the Terrorism section.
Live Poll
Should nations align their terrorism designations with U.S. security policies to combat transnational crime?
