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 11 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

<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

Ukraine oldest church burns after deadly Russian barrage

02:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

still_22717614_3493864.474_thumb.jpg

Crowds continue to protest Trump-Kushner resort plan in Albania

04:23

Now playing

• Source: CNN

oliver tree 1.jpg

Singer Oliver Tree involved in fatal helicopter crash

00:35

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>The US and Iran say they have reached an agreement that will end a US blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranians in Tehran welcome the outcome but remain cautious. </p>

Iranians welcome US agreement to halt war but remain cautious

01:08

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Screenshot 2026-06-15 at 10.39.12 AM.png

Fire engulfs historic monastery in Kyiv following Russian strikes

00:57

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Thumb 1.png

Here's how the right is rising across Britain

06:15

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>British painter David Hockney, whose vibrant portraits and sun-drenched depictions of the everyday made him one of contemporary art’s most beloved figures, has died at 88.</p><p>The artist died “peacefully at home” on Thursday, one month short of his 89th birthday, according to a statement provided to CNN by his longtime publicist Erica Bolton.</p>

Celebrated British artist David Hockney dies at 88

03:43

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Family demands justice for 7-month-old killed by Israeli solder

Family demands justice for 7-month-old killed by Israeli solder

04:16

Now playing

• Source: CNN