Ecuador Declares State of Emergency as Gang Violence Escalates
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Ecuador Declares State of Emergency as Gang Violence Escalates
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The President of Ecuador, Mr Noboa has directed the neutralization of criminal gangs following a violent attack on a television studio in Guayaquil, INCNews247 reports.
It was learnt that masked gunmen invaded public TV channel TC’s live studio, resulting in 13 arrests and injuries to two employees.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions during a 60-day state of emergency, declared after the disappearance of Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macías Villamar.
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President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict,” mobilizing the armed forces for military operations against transnational organized crime and non-state actors.
In response, Peru deployed police to the border to prevent spillover instability.
However, the US condemned the attacks and expressed readiness to assist Ecuador.
The violence in Ecuador, attributed to drug cartel conflicts, poses challenges for the nation, a major exporter of bananas, oil, coffee, cocoa, shrimps, and fish.
During the TV station attack, gunmen threatened employees, with one cameraman shot and another injured.
The perpetrators, arrested and their weapons showcased on social media, face punishment for terrorist acts, as authorities work to address the escalating crisis.
