The US has designated two Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, part of the Trump administration’s broader push against Latin American cartels.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move in Quito, saying Washington intends to “wage war” on such groups.

The step follows a US strike on Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, raising regional concerns over expanded military action, the Associated Press has reported.

On the same day, the Pentagon accused Venezuelan aircraft of making a “highly provocative” approach toward a US Navy ship in international waters.