On the border between two rival gangs: CNN meets top commander deep in Ecuador’s gang territory | CNN

On the border between two rival gangs: CNN meets top commander deep in Ecuador’s gang territory

By David Culver and Barbara Arvanitidis, CNN

Published 7:19 AM EDT, Thu August 7, 2025

Screenshot 2025-08-07 at 6.13.15 AM.png

On the border between two rival gangs: CNN meets top commander deep in Ecuador’s gang territory

Local contacts help CNN Senior National Correspondent David Culver and team navigate through rival gang territory in Tres Postas, Ecuador, and a top commander agrees to speak to his role in the country’s exploding cycle of violence. Watch "Ecuador: The Narco Superhighway" on "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper" Sunday August 10 at 9pm ET on CNN.

3:11 • Source: CNN

World News 13 videos

Screenshot 2025-08-07 at 6.13.15 AM.png

On the border between two rival gangs: CNN meets top commander deep in Ecuador’s gang territory

03:11

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Upskirting has been a problem in Japan for some time but cases are rising.

Japan confronts a growing upskirting crisis among minors

03:19

Now playing

• Source: CNN

at the haeundae sand festival 2026

Shaping the shore: Inside Busan’s sand festival

01:06

Now playing

• Source: CNN

16x9_vid.00_00_28_12.Still005.jpg

Ukraine targets Moscow refinery twice in a week as global leaders meet

00:40

Now playing

• Source: CNN

120262_ChinaNatashaDoll _Horizontal_Thumb.jpg

China’s ‘Natasha’ toy trend draws backlash over violence and racism

01:16

Now playing

• Source: CNN

20260618-kaitlan_trump split.jpg

Did Trump get what he promised in agreement with Iran?

09:07

Now playing

• Source: CNN

6.17 thumb.jpg

Expert warns Iran could emerge stronger after Trump agreement

01:53

Now playing

• Source: CNN

ANDERSON THUMBNAIL .png

Trump officially signs agreement with Iran

05:16

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumb_22726115_637392.698_thumb.jpg

Leon Panetta: U.S. 'very vulnerable' to terrorist attack as Trump makes new DNI demand

01:41

Now playing

• Source: CNN

UK Drugged Wife thumb 16x9.jpg

UK man accused of raping drugged wife with many others

00:46

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumb_22723823_9596.145_thumb.jpg

Using the stars and paddles, indigenous Taiwanese seafarers recreate ancestors’ route to the Philippines

01:21

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>President Trump discusses Iran during a meeting at the G7 with the Emir of Qatar, saying the US will not invest in Iran and "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." </p>

Trump says no investment will go to Iran

00:40

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumbnail iran ai soccer vid 2.jpg

Iranian AI-generated propaganda video released ahead of their World Cup opener

00:39

Now playing

• Source: CNN