GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR—A wave of violence engulfed Ecuador on Tuesday as gunmen with explosives stormed a TV station on-air, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare 22 gangs as terrorist organizations to be hunted by the military.
The attack on TC’s studio in Guayaquil saw police arresting 13 men who interrupted a live broadcast. Meanwhile, other parts of the country experienced several explosions and incidents of police officers being kidnapped.
President Noboa, who vowed to address drug-related violence upon taking office in November, responded to the escalating violence by declaring a 60-day state of emergency. The prison violence and the apparent escape of gang leader Adolfo Macias led him to recognize nearly two dozen gangs as terrorist groups.
The government attributed the violence to opposition against the president’s plan to build a new high-security prison and transfer jailed gang leaders. The decree making the gangs military targets was announced, with Admiral Jaime Vela of the armed forces stating that the gangs were attempting to spread fear among the populace.
The unrest led Peru to declare an emergency along its border with Ecuador, and other South American nations expressed support for Noboa’s government. Additionally, China closed its embassy and consulates in the country until further notice.
The violence also spread to other cities, resulting in explosives and guns being confiscated, and incidents of hospital takeovers and prison escapes. This contributed to a feeling of fear among the populace. The president’s efforts to control violence have given rise to skepticism among the people, as violent deaths have nearly doubled since the previous year.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence in Ecuador, including the attacks on a TV station and other incidents, has prompted the president to take drastic measures against the increasingly volatile situation.