Riots break out in 7 prisons in Ecuador

In a statement made by the National Service for Comprehensive Care for Adults Deprived of Liberty (SNAI), it was noted that the number of guards taken hostage by members of organized crime groups during the riots on January 8 in 7 prisons is 178.

The statement, which expressed concern for the lives of the guards in the prisons where riots broke out in Machala, Loja, Cuenca, Azogues, Latacunga, Ambato, and Esmeraldas, shared the information that negotiations are ongoing to rescue the staff.

Soldiers and police, who have taken extensive security measures in the areas where the prisons are located, are conducting operations from time to time.

It is believed that gang leader Adolfo Macias Salazar, nicknamed "Fito," and several other inmates escaped from prison during these riots.

State of emergency had been declared

The Ecuadorian government, which has been struggling with a security crisis for some time across the country, declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 9 following the escape of gang leader "Fito" and several other inmates from a prison in the city of Guayas, and subsequent bomb attacks on police vehicles.

Within the scope of the state of emergency, it was announced that a curfew would be imposed between 23:00 and 05:00. Following the state of emergency decision, criminal organizations kidnapped numerous police officers and set vehicles on fire.

In videos shared on social media, police officers who were kidnapped by gang members were seen with guns pointed at their heads, pleading for help from President Daniel Noboa.

News Source: AA