Arrests made as armed individuals invade Ecuador TV studio during live broadcast

Soldiers Patrol Ecuadorian Prison After Gang Leader’s Escape

Soldiers are patrolling the perimeter of Inca prison in Quito, Ecuador, following the escape of a powerful gang leader. This incident has prompted a state of emergency in the country. In addition to the prison escape, Ecuador has experienced a series of attacks, including the abduction of police officers. These events have led President Daniel Noboa to declare an “internal armed conflict.”

Attack on Television Channel

Masked men armed with guns and explosives stormed the set of a public television channel in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident occurred during a live broadcast and caused panic among viewers. The men claimed to have bombs and gunshots were heard in the background. It remains unclear if anyone at the station was injured. The motive behind the attack and other recent incidents in Ecuador is unknown.

Arrests and State of Emergency

Following the attack on the television channel, Ecuadorian authorities arrested all the intruders. President Noboa issued a decree designating 20 drug trafficking gangs as terrorist groups and authorizing the military to neutralize them. The country is now in an internal armed conflict. Those arrested will be charged with terrorism, which carries a penalty of up to 13 years in prison.

Gang Leaders’ Escapes

The recent wave of violence in Ecuador began with the escape of gang leader Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” from a low-security prison. Another gang leader, Fabricio Colon Pico, also escaped from a prison in Riobamba. These gang leaders are believed to be responsible for the spike in violence and drug trafficking in the country. Los Choneros, the gang Macías is associated with, has ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.

Challenges in Ecuador’s Prison System

Ecuador’s prison system has faced numerous challenges, with gang members exerting control from within the facilities. The escape of Macías highlights the issue of inmates continuing to operate their criminal activities from behind bars. The government is determined to restore peace and confront crime in the country.

Ecuador is taking decisive action to address the recent surge in violence and criminal activities. The state of emergency and military intervention aim to neutralize drug trafficking gangs and restore order. The arrests of the intruders at the television channel demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating terrorism. However, the underlying issues within the prison system need to be addressed to prevent further escapes and criminal operations.

Further Reading