City streets in Ecuador have been left deserted as drug gangs escalate violence by taking prison staff hostage, setting off explosions, and briefly seizing a TV station live on air. The country’s President, Daniel Noboa, has declared that Ecuador is now “at war” with these terrorist groups.
The unrest began after the escape of Adolfo Macias, the leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang, from prison over the weekend. In response, President Noboa declared a state of emergency and vowed to “neutralize” criminal gangs. He has since named 22 gangs as “terrorist” organizations, making them official military targets.
As tensions rise, the violence has spread to multiple prisons, with over 130 prison guards and staff members being taken hostage. Riots have erupted, and the SNAI prisons agency reported that 125 guards and 14 administrative staff remain captive. However, there have been some positive developments, as eleven people were released on Tuesday.
The situation took a terrifying turn when armed attackers wearing balaclavas stormed a state-owned TV station in the port city of Guayaquil. They held several journalists and staff members hostage on live TV and also kidnapped police officers. One officer was forced to read a statement to President Noboa at gunpoint, threatening further violence and executions.
In response to the unrest, Ecuadorian police have made 70 arrests since Monday, including those involved in the TV station takeover. However, the government’s focus remains on rescuing the hostages and restoring peace and order.
The international community has expressed grave concern over the situation in Ecuador. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the increase in gang activity as a “direct attack on democracy and the rule of law.” The United States, represented by top diplomat Brian Nichols, has expressed extreme concern and is in close contact with President Noboa. France and Russia have advised their citizens against traveling to Ecuador due to the ongoing violence.
President Noboa has assured the public that every effort is being made to recover the hostages safely. The armed forces have taken charge of the rescue efforts, and plans for the construction of new high-security prisons for gang leaders will be made public soon.
As Ecuador faces this unprecedented wave of violence, the world watches with apprehension, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis and the restoration of peace and stability in the country.
