Ecuador's President Challenges Gangs by Confronting the Military

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has urged armed gangs to confront the military instead of targeting civilians, as the government deployed soldiers to combat criminal groups. The President declared a state of emergency following a surge of gang violence in the country, including a shocking incident where armed individuals stormed a TV station and threatened the staff during a live broadcast. Over 300 suspects have been arrested since the state of emergency was announced. President Noboa defiantly challenged the gangs in a radio interview, stating, "Be brave, fight the soldiers," highlighting that the majority of the gang's victims have been unarmed civilians. The recent wave of violence has resulted in at least 14 deaths and numerous attacks, including explosive incidents, vehicle burnings, and the kidnapping of police officers on duty. Prison guards and employees have also been taken hostage by inmates. Despite the challenging situation, President Noboa expressed the government's determination to crack down on the gangs, along with any legal components supporting them. The outbreak of attacks seems to have been triggered by an attempt to relocate a notorious gang leader named "Fito" to a more secure prison. However, the leader's cell was found empty, leading to riots in other jails and the escape of another gang leader. The government is offering rewards for information leading to the capture of these individuals and 17 other gang leaders. Ecuador, once considered relatively safe compared to other countries in the region, has seen a significant increase in its murder rate due to the growing power of criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking. President Noboa classified 22 of these groups as "terrorist gangs" and declared an "internal armed conflict" in the country, a move that has been unanimously approved by Congress. Meanwhile, citizens in the hard-hit port city of Guayaquil are still trying to comprehend the recent wave of gang violence. Journalists who experienced the attack on the TC television studios shared their terrifying ordeal, recounting how the gunmen threatened them and demanded live on-air announcements. However, their motives beyond expressing their influence were unclear. The police eventually overpowered the gang and arrested 18 members.