Argentina has designated five major Latin American criminal and insurgent organisations as terrorist entities, seeking to disrupt their regional operations and financial networks.

The measure, announced by the office of President Javier Milei, adds the groups to Argentina’s Public Registry of Persons and Entities Linked to Acts of Terrorism and Their Financing (RePET).

The designated organisations are Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC-EP dissident factions, and Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones.

According to the government, the decision followed coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Security, Ministry of Justice and State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE).

“The operational capacity, regional geographic expansion, and illicit diversification of these groups pose direct threats to the lives, property, and assets of our citizens,” the presidency said in a statement, citing classified intelligence assessments.

Argentina Cites Cross-Border Criminal Activities

The government outlined security concerns associated with each organisation, including drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, illegal mining and armed violence.

Authorities described Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel as a major transnational criminal network involved in international narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and extortion.

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The designation also brings Argentina’s approach into closer alignment with that of international partners, including the United States, which has previously designated the cartel as a terrorist organisation.

La Nueva Familia Michoacana, another Mexican criminal group, was cited for its involvement in international drug trafficking and illegal mining. Argentine authorities also pointed to its alleged influence across illicit supply chains in South America.

Ecuadorian Group and Colombian Insurgencies Included

Argentina identified Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones as a violent criminal organisation linked to contract killings and maritime drug trafficking.

The group reportedly split from Los Choneros in 2020, alongside Los Chone Killers. Argentina added Los Chone Killers to the RePET registry in August, according to the supplied report.

The government also designated Colombia’s ELN and dissident factions associated with FARC-EP.

Authorities described the groups as armed insurgencies whose activities include recruitment, logistical operations and weapons trafficking. The government said their networks extended beyond Colombia and posed potential security risks for Argentina.

Registry Move Targets Assets and Financing

The Argentine government said the designations were intended to help authorities disrupt the organisations’ financial and operational networks.

Inclusion on the RePET registry can trigger financial restrictions and other measures under Argentina’s applicable legal framework. These may include action against assets and financing linked to designated entities, subject to relevant laws and procedures.

The government also highlighted the role of intelligence cooperation in identifying cross-border financial flows and suspected criminal activity.

The move reflects Argentina’s efforts to strengthen its response to transnational organised crime. However, the practical effects of the designations will depend on the legal measures applied and coordination with international partners.