Armed gang members storm television station in Ecuador
In the South American country of Ecuador, where violence is escalating, a state of emergency has been declared by decree of President Daniel Noboa following the escape of a gang leader from prison. Gang members stormed a television station called TC.
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Ecuadorian Presidential Secretary of Communication Roberto Izuriete stated in a press conference that an operation involving 3,000 security personnel has been launched following the escape of gang leader Adolfo Macias Salazar, nicknamed "Fito," and several other inmates from a prison in the city of Guayas, noting that these individuals are extremely dangerous.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN THE COUNTRY
Izuriete announced that President Noboa has signed a state of emergency decree due to this incident and that a curfew will be enforced between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM during this period.
According to local media, following the 60-day state of emergency decree, criminal organizations kidnapped numerous police officers and set vehicles on fire.
GANG MEMBERS STORM TELEVISION STATION
A group of armed and masked individuals raided a television station called TC broadcasting in Ecuador.
In the live broadcast footage, armed individuals were seen forcing television station employees to the ground and assaulting them. Gunshots and shouting can be heard in the footage.
This incident occurred following the prison escape of Adolfo Macías Villamar, one of the leaders of the country's largest drug gangs in Ecuador.
Following the armed attack on the live broadcast, armed assailants entered a university. Cartel members entered a university and attempted to kidnap students.
"I HAVE ORDERED THE OPERATION"
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa issued a statement regarding the matter.
Noboa stated, "I have signed the decree declaring an Internal Armed Conflict. I have identified 21 gangs as terrorist organizations. I have ordered the Armed Forces to conduct military operations to neutralize these groups."
POLICE OFFICERS TAKEN HOSTAGE
According to local media, following the 60-day state of emergency decree, criminal organizations kidnapped numerous police officers and set vehicles on fire.
In a post on X, the Ecuadorian National Police confirmed that 3 police officers had been kidnapped, stating, "Special units have been deployed to locate our kidnapped colleagues and apprehend the perpetrators. None of these events will go unpunished." Meanwhile, in videos shared on social media, police officers who were kidnapped by gang members were seen with guns held to their heads while pleading for help from President Noboa.
Ecuador has been struggling with a security crisis for a long time.