Western Hemisphere Leaders Forge Alliance to Counter Narco-Terrorism

The following joint declaration was issued by the governments of the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The leaders participating in the Shield of the Americas initiative have jointly declared their commitment to bolstering the resilience of the Western Hemisphere through three core pillars: Economic Strength, Security, and Multilateral Coordination.

In accordance with our respective international and domestic legal obligations, we commit to the following actions:

• Fortify our economies by enhancing economic cooperation, exploring investment screening mechanisms, safeguarding critical mineral supply chains through diversified and reliable sourcing, and promoting trusted supplier regulations for digital infrastructure on a non-discriminatory basis. We acknowledge that enduring security relies on economic development, stable employment, and tangible opportunities for our citizens, and that economic sovereignty is effectively protected when incoming capital is transparent and verifiable.

• Protect democratic governance from armed narco-terrorist networks by coordinating sanctions, designations, and financial actions against terrorists and criminals; expanding civilian law enforcement capabilities; and providing humanitarian and messaging assistance to defend the popular will.

• Uphold and promote mutual respect for national sovereignty and self-determination through multilateral forums. This includes coordinating to advance shared objectives, catalyzing international enforcement actions against transnational organized criminal groups, and pursuing necessary reforms within multilateral organizations.

To advance these pillars, participating states will strengthen cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, facilitate appropriate access to security technologies and capabilities, promote the training and professional development of human resources, and expand the exchange of best practices. Furthermore, these states intend to deepen cooperation on investment and economic matters while strengthening consultation and coordination on common positions regarding issues of shared interest in regional and multilateral fora.

Recognizing that an immediate and universally shared threat facing our hemisphere is posed by transnational narco-terrorist organizations—which endanger peace, security, and the safety and prosperity of our citizens—we announce today the first joint action under our newly established pillars: individual and collective measures to confront the scourge of narco-terrorism. Consequently, we declare our intention to impose, as applicable and in accordance with our respective international and domestic legal obligations, asset freezes; immigration and visa restrictions against members, associates, and supporters of these organizations; and criminal liability for individuals knowingly providing material or logistical support to them, among other measures. This initial joint action targets the 24 organizations listed below, regardless of their designation in each respective country.

The 24 groups:

1. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
2. Tren de Aragua
3. Carteles Unidos
4. Cartel del Golfo (Gulf Cartel)
5. La Nueva Familia Michoacana
6. Cartel del Noreste
7. Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG)
8. Cartel de Sinaloa
9. Gran Grif
10. Viv Ansanm
11. Los Lobos
12. Los Choneros
13. Barrio 18
14. Cartel de Los Soles
15. Clan del Golfo
16. Primeiro Comando da Capital
17. Comando Vermelho
18. Chone Killers
19. Los Viagras
20. Juarez Cartel (La Línea)
21. FARC Dissident Groups, including FARC-Estado Mayor Central, FARC-Segunda Marquetalia, or aliases, affiliates, and successor groups
22. ELN
23. Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso)
24. Los Tiguerones

The participants of the Shield of the Americas have united their efforts to defend their sovereignty by collectively imposing sanctions and other measures against these 24 narco-terrorist groups.

Source link