Gang crisis grows in Ecuador: 10 people lost their lives

In the South American country of Ecuador, the country has been dragged into chaos following the escape of Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, nicknamed "Fito," the leader of the Los Choneros gang, from La Regional prison in Guayaquil.

Gang members took to the streets and stormed a television station during a live broadcast yesterday evening, attempting to take numerous journalists and employees hostage. While 13 people were detained by police who entered the television studio, statements from local sources indicate that at least 23 violent incidents have occurred so far across 8 provinces in the country, and riots have broken out in some prisons. Police announced that 8 people lost their lives and 3 were injured in attacks in Guayaquil, while 2 security personnel were "brutally" killed in the town of Nobol. It was learned that armed gang members took at least 7 police officers hostage, police vehicles were set on fire, and explosions occurred in many cities.

UNIVERSITY RAID

It was reported that armed attackers entered the University of Guayaquil and kidnapped students. After gang members raided the campus, some students fled in panic, while in one classroom, students placed chairs and tables behind the door to prevent the attackers from entering.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency yesterday. In the country where a curfew has been imposed, the President ordered the army to take to the streets and take control of the prisons. Noboa also deployed thousands of police officers and military personnel to locate gang leader Villamar.

The port city of Guayaquil, located in Guayas province, which is the center of drug trafficking in the country, is considered the most dangerous city in Ecuador. According to government data, more than 8 thousand people lost their lives in violent incidents in Ecuador in 2023.