Measure allows intervention by the Army and Police; country faces wave of violence after criminal gang leader escapes
The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, announced this Tuesday (9.Jan.2024) the state of “internal armed conflict” in the country. The measure allows the intervention of the Army and the Police and authorizes the Armed Forces to carry out military operations against criminal groups.
The measure was announced by Noboa on her profile on X (formerly Twitter). The president mentions dozens of groups and factions that are now considered “terrorist organizations”.
He signed the executive decree declaring Internal Armed Conflict and identified the following transnational organized crime groups such as terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors: Águilas, ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller,… pic.twitter.com/rVfSTFmHlG
— Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) January 9, 2024
The country is experiencing a wave of violence after the leader of the largest criminal gang in Ecuador escaped from a prison in Guayaquil. José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as Fito and one of the leaders of the Los Choneros group, escaped from prison on Sunday (7 January).
Invasion of TV channel
Armed men invaded a live broadcast of the TV channel TC Television, from the city of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, this Tuesday (9.Jan.2023). The Ecuadorian National Police he said arrested the suspects.
In videos circulating on social media, the men claim to have bombs and threaten station employees. You may also hear sounds similar to gunshots.
Watch (2min15s):
The president, Daniel Noboa, decreed on Monday (8 January) a state of emergency throughout the country. The measure was taken in the midst of a security crisis, caused by the strengthening of criminal factions and drug trafficking in the country.
After President Noboa declared a state of emergency in Ecuador, armed criminals have invaded a local TV Channel and made the journalists hostages. pic.twitter.com/ESGmI7wwf7
— Crazy Ass Moments in LatAm Politics (@AssLatam) January 9, 2024
According to the Argentine newspaper Clarinthe broadcast lasted just over 15 minutes before it was interrupted.
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