329 Gang Members Detained in Ecuador Operations
Ecuador Declares State of Emergency as Gang Violence Escalates
The situation in Ecuador has escalated to a breaking point as organized crime organizations continue to wreak havoc throughout the country. Head of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces Joint Command, Jaime Vela, revealed in a recent press conference that 329 gang members have been detained in operations across the country, with 5 gang members killed in the process.
Vela also disclosed that during the operations, 2 police officers lost their lives while 1 police officer sustained serious injuries. Furthermore, 139 guards are reportedly still being held hostage in 5 prisons where riots have broken out.
The Ecuadorian Armed Forces also succeeded in rescuing 41 law enforcement officers who were forcibly detained by gang members. In addition, 28 prisoners who had escaped from prison were recaptured.
The primary targets of these operations were the gangs known as “Tiguerones,” “Los Lobos,” and “Los Choneros.” Vela emphasized that a total of 61 weapons were seized in the last 2 days alone.
One particularly high-profile individual is gang leader Adolfo Macias Salazar, also known as “Fito,” who managed to escape from prison. In response, a special unit has been established to capture Fito, with Vela urging the people of Ecuador to trust and be patient.
The seriousness of the situation was further highlighted by a raid on the “TC Television” channel in Guayaquil, where armed men invaded the studio during a live broadcast and took employees hostage. Additionally, a university in Guayaquil was attacked by gunmen who forcibly detained several students. Fortunately, 13 individuals involved in the television channel raid were subsequently detained, and the university was brought back under control with the intervention of security forces.
In response to these escalating events, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a “State of Armed Civil Conflict.” Noboa has instructed the armed forces to take action against the gangs, emphasizing the severity of the crisis.
The crisis has already resulted in numerous casualties, with 10 civilians losing their lives in gang attacks in various parts of the city of Guayaquil.
Given the gravity of the situation, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency lasting 60 days, in effect as of January 9. This decision follows the escape of gang leader Fito and several prisoners from a prison in the city of Guayas, as well as subsequent attacks on police vehicles with explosives.
As part of the state of emergency, a curfew from 23:00 to 05:00 has been imposed, with criminal organizations continuing to kidnap police officers and destroy their vehicles in the wake of this emergency declaration.
The use of social media to appeal for help was also evident, as videos surfaced showing police officers who had been abducted by gang members, some of whom were seen holding guns to their heads and pleading for aid from President Noboa.
The situation in Ecuador continues to be critical, with the government and armed forces working tirelessly to address the escalating gang violence and restore order across the country. The safety and security of Ecuadorian citizens remain paramount as the state grapples with this ongoing crisis.
