Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, spoke passionately on Wednesday about the challenges his country faces, describing it as being in a serious battle against drug gangs who have taken prison guards hostage. The recent escalation of violence has been alarming, with incidents ranging from gunmen briefly seizing control of a live TV broadcast to explosions echoing through various cities.
In a decisive move on Tuesday, President Noboa officially designated 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, marking them as legitimate military targets. Taking office in November, he had vowed to address the escalating security concerns stemming from the increased activities of drug-trafficking gangs using Ecuador as a route for transporting cocaine. The president’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the face of these challenges remains unwavering.
Over 130 prison guards and staff found themselves in a terrifying situation, taken hostage since the wee hours of Monday. The alarming escape of Adolfo Macias, the leader of the Los Choneros gang, from prison over the weekend added fuel to the fire. Faced with these unprecedented challenges, President Noboa made a tough call, declaring a 60-day state of emergency.
The urgency intensified on Tuesday as a wave of explosions rippled through the country and balaclava-clad gunmen brazenly seized control of TC television station live on air. Responding decisively, President Noboa fortified the decree, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for swift and resolute action.
President Noboa assured the public that exhaustive measures are underway to liberate the hostages held in the prison crisis. Addressing the situation, Armed Forces Commander Jaime Vela shared that 329 individuals, predominantly associated with gangs such as Los Choneros, Los Lobos, and Los Tiguerones, have been apprehended since the implementation of the state of emergency.
During a press conference on Wednesday evening, Vela responded to concerns raised by harrowing videos circulating on social media. He emphatically stated that no hostages have lost their lives, despite the distressing scenes depicted in the videos. The commitment to resolving the crisis without any loss of life remains a top priority for the authorities involved.
While the authenticity of the videos couldn’t be immediately confirmed by Reuters, the government suggests that the recent surge in violence is a response to President Noboa’s proposal to construct high-security prisons for gang leaders. In an update shared with a radio station, President Noboa revealed that the design for two new facilities will be unveiled tomorrow, marking a crucial step in addressing the current situation. Stay tuned for more details as the government works towards implementing measures for a safer and more secure future.
Vela highlighted that while we’re making headway, it’s crucial to remember that reshaping the prison system is a gradual process that demands thoughtful attention.
The SNAI prisons agency revealed that out of the hostages, 125 are guards, and 14 are administrative staff. Encouragingly, eleven individuals were successfully freed on Tuesday, according to the agency.
In a bizarre turn of events, a journalist, caught up in the TC station takeover, shared a harrowing experience with Reuters. They described the unsettling moments of being coerced at gunpoint to appear on camera.
