The United States Department of State has officially designated the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This designation aims to isolate these groups financially by blocking all property and financial interests belonging to them within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons.
Background
Both groups are classified as violent narco-terrorist organizations responsible for numerous attacks targeting American citizens, Mexican security forces, and civilians. One notable incident was the 2019 massacre in Sonora, Mexico, where hitmen from La Línea—the dominant faction of the Juárez Cartel—killed nine U.S. citizens, including three adults and six children.
The State Department stated that these designations “expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks.” The agency added that the designations are intended to support ongoing law enforcement efforts by other U.S. agencies and foreign governments.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
