Ecuador is grappling with an unprecedented wave of violence following a series of alarming incidents, including a live television studio invasion by armed gunmen. President Daniel Noboa‘s recent declaration of 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and military targets marks a significant escalation in the government’s response to the crisis.
At least 10 people, including two law enforcement officers, have been killed in violence linked to criminal gangs in Ecuador, police said Tuesday, in what the country’s president described as “an internal armed conflict.”
Eight people were dead and three injured in a series of attacks in the port city of Guayaquil, a local police chief said at a press conference.In a separate statement posted on X, police also said that two officers were “viciously murdered by armed criminals” in the nearby town of Nobol.
Live TV studio invasion
In a shocking turn of events, 13 gunmen took over the TC television station in Guayaquil during a live broadcast. The assailants, clad in balaclavas and mostly dressed in black, brandished guns and accosted staff members. The chaos, which included gunshots and yelling, was broadcast live for about 20 minutes. The police’s swift response led to the arrest of the gunmen and the confiscation of explosives and guns. “All hostages were freed … the perpetrators will confront justice and be sentenced for terrorist acts,” stated the police on social media.
Nationwide state of emergency
In response to the escalating violence, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on Monday. This decision came in the wake of prison violence, including hostage-takings of guards by inmates, and the apparent escape of Los Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macias. “Today’s events show that the actions and decisions taken by the national government are gravely affecting criminal structures,” said Admiral Jaime Vela, head of the joint command of the armed forces.
A country in ‘internal armed conflict’
President Noboa’s revised decree on Tuesday recognized an “internal armed conflict” in Ecuador. He identified nearly two dozen gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups. This move comes as prison transfers of major leaders have historically led to violence, with hundreds of inmates killed in recent years.
Kidnappings and explosions across the country
At least seven police officers were kidnapped in separate incidents in Machala, Quito, and Los Rios province. Explosions in Esmeraldas and Los Rios, as well as other reported incidents in Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil, have added to the nation’s turmoil. The cause of these explosions remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Prison escapes and hostage situations
A group of prisoners, including accused gang member Fabricio Colon Pico, escaped from a penitentiary in Riobamba. Seventeen of the 39 escapees have been recaptured. Meanwhile, 139 guards and other staff are still being held hostage in various prisons.
Regional impact and international concern
The unrest in Ecuador has prompted Peru’s government to declare an emergency along its border with Ecuador. Brazil, Colombia, and Chile have expressed their support for the Ecuadorean government. The US State Department and the British Foreign Office have also expressed concern, with the latter advising against all but essential travel to parts of Ecuador.
Economic impact
Some Ecuadoreans are questioning President Noboa’s efforts to control the violence. The government’s response has also impacted financial markets, with Ecuadorean sovereign bonds falling sharply. The 2035 bond, for instance, fell to 36.25 cents on the dollar.
(With inputs from agencies)
At least 10 people, including two law enforcement officers, have been killed in violence linked to criminal gangs in Ecuador, police said Tuesday, in what the country’s president described as “an internal armed conflict.”
Eight people were dead and three injured in a series of attacks in the port city of Guayaquil, a local police chief said at a press conference.In a separate statement posted on X, police also said that two officers were “viciously murdered by armed criminals” in the nearby town of Nobol.
Live TV studio invasion
In a shocking turn of events, 13 gunmen took over the TC television station in Guayaquil during a live broadcast. The assailants, clad in balaclavas and mostly dressed in black, brandished guns and accosted staff members. The chaos, which included gunshots and yelling, was broadcast live for about 20 minutes. The police’s swift response led to the arrest of the gunmen and the confiscation of explosives and guns. “All hostages were freed … the perpetrators will confront justice and be sentenced for terrorist acts,” stated the police on social media.
Nationwide state of emergency
In response to the escalating violence, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on Monday. This decision came in the wake of prison violence, including hostage-takings of guards by inmates, and the apparent escape of Los Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macias. “Today’s events show that the actions and decisions taken by the national government are gravely affecting criminal structures,” said Admiral Jaime Vela, head of the joint command of the armed forces.
A country in ‘internal armed conflict’
President Noboa’s revised decree on Tuesday recognized an “internal armed conflict” in Ecuador. He identified nearly two dozen gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups. This move comes as prison transfers of major leaders have historically led to violence, with hundreds of inmates killed in recent years.
Kidnappings and explosions across the country
At least seven police officers were kidnapped in separate incidents in Machala, Quito, and Los Rios province. Explosions in Esmeraldas and Los Rios, as well as other reported incidents in Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil, have added to the nation’s turmoil. The cause of these explosions remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Prison escapes and hostage situations
A group of prisoners, including accused gang member Fabricio Colon Pico, escaped from a penitentiary in Riobamba. Seventeen of the 39 escapees have been recaptured. Meanwhile, 139 guards and other staff are still being held hostage in various prisons.
Regional impact and international concern
The unrest in Ecuador has prompted Peru’s government to declare an emergency along its border with Ecuador. Brazil, Colombia, and Chile have expressed their support for the Ecuadorean government. The US State Department and the British Foreign Office have also expressed concern, with the latter advising against all but essential travel to parts of Ecuador.
Economic impact
Some Ecuadoreans are questioning President Noboa’s efforts to control the violence. The government’s response has also impacted financial markets, with Ecuadorean sovereign bonds falling sharply. The 2035 bond, for instance, fell to 36.25 cents on the dollar.
(With inputs from agencies)