Ecuador’s president says the country is at war with drug gangs. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to combat drug gangs that have been responsible for a wave of violence in recent weeks.
Ecuador is facing a wave of violence, with President Daniel Noboa declaring war on drug gangs responsible for kidnappings, explosions, and a TV station attack. The unrest is linked to efforts to combat cocaine trafficking. However, it led to a state of emergency, military intervention against 22 identified gangs, and claims of around 20,000 criminals involved.
Since Monday, over 130 prison guards and staff have been kidnapped. Notorious gang leader Adolfo Macias, from “Los Choneros,” is believed to have escaped, triggering the crisis. Unexplained explosions in various cities and the storming of a TV station in Guayaquil by gunmen have added to the chaos.
President Noboa is determined to tackle the issue. He announced a state of emergency and the detention of 329 individuals, mostly gang members. Videos showing extreme violence against prison staff have circulated, but their authenticity remains unverified. Moreover, the president assured that no hostages had been killed.
In response, security forces are intensifying anti-gang operations, resulting in the deaths of five gang members in Esmeraldas province. The president pledged to reveal plans for two new high-security prisons and initiate deportations of foreign prisoners, mainly Colombians, to address overcrowding.
International concerns are rising as Ecuador shares borders with cocaine-producing countries. China has closed its embassy, and the U.S. has promised aid, including $200 million in weapons. Meanwhile, Peru is investigating possible military involvement in smuggling explosives for Ecuadorian gangs.
Ecuador’s government ensures the normal functioning of oil and mining sectors and protects exports, deploying security forces to ports. However, the situation has prompted widespread closures of businesses and schools, with increased police and military presence in city streets. According to analysts, the challenge for President Noboa lies in achieving lasting success against crime beyond immediate military intervention.
