Ecuador faces chaos: armed takeover of TV station and gangs labelled as terrorists

Ecuador plunged into chaos on Tuesday as a series of violent incidents unfolded, including the dramatic on-air invasion of a TV station by gunmen. President Daniel Noboa responded by designating 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and military targets, intensifying the country's battle against escalating crime.

Gunmen storm TV Station in live broadcast;President names gangs as terrorists

In a shocking turn of events, armed assailants took control of the TC television station in Guayaquil during a live broadcast, causing panic among the staff and viewers. President Noboa, who recently declared a 60-day state of emergency in response to prison violence and a gang leader's escape, escalated the government's stance by naming almost two dozen gangs as terrorist groups. These gangs, including the notorious Los Choneros, are now deemed military targets.

Police swiftly intervened, arresting 13 gunmen involved in the TV station takeover. The assailants, clad in black and armed, broadcast their actions for approximately 20 minutes, creating an atmosphere of fear. The government's move to transfer jailed gang leaders to a new high-security prison has triggered a wave of violence, according to Admiral Jaime Vela, the head of the armed forces joint command.

Widespread violence grips Ecuador; International support pours in

The unrest in Ecuador, marked by explosions, police kidnappings, and an escape from a penitentiary, prompted neighboring Peru to declare an emergency along its border. Brazil, Colombia, and Chile expressed solidarity with Ecuador as the government grapples with the escalating crisis. The violence has led to a state of emergency, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action.

As Ecuador confronts a surge in violent incidents, questions arise about the effectiveness of President Noboa's security measures. Plans for a plebiscite focused on security efforts later this year indicate a commitment to address the deep-rooted issues contributing to the surge in violence, which saw a significant spike in national violent deaths in 2023. The financial markets also felt the impact, with Ecuadorian sovereign bonds experiencing a decline amid rising concerns over the country's stability.

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