Ecuador entered a state of chaos and internal armed conflict, according to what President Daniel Noboa announced, who ordered the security forces to neutralize criminal gangs involved in the drug trade. They seized control of a number of detention centers and took control of a television station, following the escape of one of the most prominent gang leaders. An influential person called José Adolfo Macias, also known as “Vito”.

In a decree he signed yesterday (Tuesday), Noboa acknowledged the existence of an internal armed conflict, and ordered the mobilization and intervention of the armed forces and the National Police to ensure sovereignty and national territorial integrity against organized crime and terrorist organizations.

Masked gunmen attacked a television station during a live broadcast, forcing employees to surrender. Ecuadorian police arrested all the gunmen, evacuated the media crew, and reported that all employees and hostages were alive.

The Commander-in-Chief of the National Police, Cesar Zapata, said that at least four firearms, two hand grenades and explosive materials were found, and 13 people were arrested. He added that the perpetrators will be brought to justice for their “terrorist acts.”

Senior Ecuadorian intelligence officials told the Washington Post that security forces arrested 10 of the attackers, some of whom were members of the “Los Tijerones” and “Los Lobos” gangs.

The unrest erupted due to the escape of one of the most influential criminal leaders in Ecuador, José Adolfo Macias, known as “Vito.”

In response to the crisis, gang members kidnapped police officers and carried out bombings in several cities, in protest against the 60-day state of emergency and the nightly curfew imposed by President Noboa. A video clip circulated on social media showed kidnapped officers.

For its part, Beijing suspended, on Wednesday, the consular activities of its embassy in Quito and the activities of its consulate. The Chinese embassy in Quito said: The date for resuming these suspended activities “will be announced to the public at the appropriate time.” Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru announced their support for Ecuador, saying that they “reject violence.”

Unrest broke out in several prisons in Ecuador, with guards being held hostage in some prisons. Drug-related violence has taken a heavy toll, with the homicide rate quadrupling from 2018 to 2022, and more than 7,800 homicides were recorded last year.

Clashes between prisoners since February 2021 have claimed the lives of 460 people, raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the country