The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, decreed this Monday a state of exceptionthe first since he began his mandate on November 23, after a series of riots in at least six prisons in the countrywhich involved the retention of prison guards and the burning of mattresses.
(In context: Ecuador: what is known about Fito, leader of 'Los Choneros' who would have escaped from prison?)
The state of exception allows the action of the Armed forces, in support of the Police, to control internal security, especially in prisons, as they have done on previous occasions.
“I have just signed the state of emergency decree so that the Armed Forces have all the political and legal support in their actions.“Noboa said in a message through Instagram.
The decision also comes after reports began to circulate about the escape of alias Fito, the leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, one of the most dangerous in the country due to its links with Mexican cartels.
Adolfo Macías, alias Fito, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang.
Ecuadorian Armed Forces / AFP
The Secretary General of Communication of the Presidency, Roberto Izurieta, stated that with some 3,000 police and military personnel they continue the search operation for 'Fito', a “criminal with extremely dangerous characteristics” related to terrorism.
Asked on Teleamazonas television if he knew when 'Fito' apparently escaped, the Secretary of Communication of the Presidency commented that “most likely” information was leaked and that it was “a matter of hours” before, but he stressed that “the search continues” and so far no incidents have been reported.
DEVELOPING…
INTERNATIONAL EDITORIAL
*With AFP and Efe
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