San Salvador Times
The Pulse of El Salvador’s Transformation
Monday, Oct 20, 2025
San Salvador Times
U.S. Designates Barrio 18 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Move targets one of Central America’s most violent criminal networks.
The United States has officially designated the criminal gang Barrio 18 as a foreign terrorist organization, marking a major escalation in Washington’s efforts to combat transnational crime.
The group, known for its extensive operations in Central America and the United States, has been linked to extortion, trafficking, and widespread violence.
The new classification allows federal agencies to impose tougher sanctions and pursue international cooperation against the network.
The group, known for its extensive operations in Central America and the United States, has been linked to extortion, trafficking, and widespread violence.
The new classification allows federal agencies to impose tougher sanctions and pursue international cooperation against the network.
