QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Following a violent incursion at a television station’s live broadcast, Ecuador’s biggest cities became a battleground. President Daniel Noboa called for the eradication of drug gangs terrorizing the country, prompting schools and stores to close and soldiers to patrol the streets.
The armed group, wielding explosives and guns, stormed a television station in the city of Guayaquil, threatening and assaulting employees during a 15-minute live broadcast. No casualties were reported, but 13 suspects were arrested. The government quickly responded, declaring an “internal armed conflict” and labeling 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups.
President Noboa emphasized the severity of the situation, declaring his country to be in a state of war, and authorizing the military to “neutralize” the identified terrorist groups. Concerns escalated after the apparent escape of a powerful gang leader from prison, resulting in a state of emergency declaration and a wave of violence.
The government’s crackdown has led to the arrest of nearly 330 people for alleged acts of terrorism, while security forces have been deployed to guard key facilities and institutions across the country. In the radio interview, President Noboa vowed to combat drug trafficking groups and instill peace in the nation of 18 million.
The violence in Ecuador has sparked widespread concern among its citizens, many of whom have called for a firmer response from the government to address the armed groups. This heightened state of unrest has drawn comparisons to neighboring El Salvador, which implemented extreme measures to combat violent gangs, dramatically reducing criminal violence.
However, international experts have cautioned against purely repressive security policies, warning that they could exacerbate the situation. Long-term solutions, they argued, should involve addressing corruption within the government, strengthening the judicial system, and creating avenues for education, healthcare, and employment for vulnerable communities.
The recent events in Ecuador shed light on the deep-seated issues of poverty, inequality, and neglect that have fueled the rise of armed gangs. Juanita C. Francis Bone, a leader of the human rights group Mujeres de Asfalto, emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions, beyond mere militarization, to address the root causes of criminal activity.
The situation in Ecuador underscores the challenges of tackling widespread criminal violence, and the necessity of a multifaceted approach to restore peace and security in the country. Security forces continue to grapple with the escalating violence, as the government seeks to address the underlying social and economic disparities contributing to the current crisis.