A wave of violence swept across Ecuador on Tuesday, as gunmen armed with explosives stormed a TV station during a live broadcast, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare 22 gangs as terrorist organizations to be hunted by the military.
The attackers targeted Gamavision, entering through the reception and assaulting staff. Dynamite was left behind as the assailants wreaked havoc. TC news coordinator and reporter, Leonardo Flores Moreno, described the chaotic scene, stating that he and others were able to hide during the attack. Police later confiscated explosives and guns, arresting 13 individuals and presenting images of detainees with hands zip-tied.
While the TV channel was back on-air for its evening news broadcast, authorities emphasized that the attorney general’s office was on-site collecting evidence. The incident occurred as part of a broader wave of violence across the country.
In a separate incident, at least seven police officers were kidnapped, and multiple explosions were reported in various locations. Police confirmed incidents in Esmeraldas and Los Rios, while explosions were reported in Cuenca, Quito, Loja, and Machala. Authorities in Guayaquil reported “takeover” incidents at five hospitals, which were later brought under control by police and soldiers.
Prison guards captured
Additionally, a group of prisoners escaped from a penitentiary in Riobamba, with 17 of the 39 escapees recaptured. Eleven prison guards were taken hostage over the past two days, but they were subsequently released, while 139 guards and other staff remain in captivity.
The violence prompted President Daniel Noboa to declare a 60-day state of emergency on Monday, following incidents of prison violence and the apparent escape of Los Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macias. In a revised decree on Tuesday, Noboa declared nearly two dozen gangs as terrorist groups, including Los Choneros. The move makes the gangs military targets, as the government attributes the violence to their reaction against plans to build a new high-security prison for gang leaders.
The instability has led to concerns among Ecuadoreans, with questions arising about the government’s efforts to control violence. The violence has already impacted Ecuadorean sovereign bonds, which fell on the instability. The international community, including South American nations and China, has expressed support for Noboa’s government, with some taking precautionary measures such as Peru declaring an emergency along its border with Ecuador and China closing its embassy and consulates until further notice.
The situation remains fluid, with the government facing challenges in restoring order and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the violence.
