State Department Labels Barrio 18 Gang a Designated Terrorist, FTO

The State Department labeled Barrio 18, a Latin American rival gang to MS-13, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and Foreign Terrorist Organization, the agency said in notices released Sept. 23. The Office of Foreign Assets Control added Barrio 18 to its Specially Designated Nationals List to reflect the move.

"Barrio 18 is one of the largest gangs in our hemisphere and has conducted attacks against security personnel, public officials, and civilians in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras," the State Department said. The designations subject the gang to strict financial sanctions.