GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador – Gunmen carrying explosives raided a live television studio in Ecuador on Tuesday, adding to a surge of violence across the country. President Daniel Noboa responded by designating 22 gangs as terrorist organizations to be pursued by the military.
The attackers stormed the TC studio during a broadcast, resulting in the arrests of the 13 individuals involved. Meanwhile, multiple police officers were kidnapped and several incidents of explosions occurred in different locations.
President Noboa, who took office in November with a promise to clamp down on drug-related violence, declared a 60-day state of emergency following prison violence and the apparent escape of a gang leader over the weekend.
The government attributed the violence to a backlash against the president’s plan to construct a new high-security prison and relocate incarcerated gang leaders. The unrest prompted support from neighboring South American nations and led to the closure of Chinese diplomatic outposts in Ecuador.
In addition to these incidents, there were reports of takeover incidents at hospitals and a rise in violent deaths. The escalating violence has raised concerns among the populace about the president’s efforts to tackle the issue.
Authorities confirmed that the violence is linked to efforts to transfer jailed gang leaders, a historically contentious issue that has sparked prison unrest in the past. This ongoing turmoil has not only led to injuries and arrests but has also caused volatility in the country’s financial markets.
The wave of violence remains a significant challenge for Ecuador as President Noboa attempts to address security concerns. These recent events have underscored the urgency of the president’s pledge to prioritize security in the country.