Ecuadorian security forces have arrested 859 suspects in the fight against criminal gangs. The government announced on Saturday evening (local time) that firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary devices, boats and vehicles had been seized in operations across the country.
In addition, soldiers and police officers rescued 56 hostages from gang violence. Five suspected gang members and two police officers were killed in clashes. Security forces also arrested 25 escaped prisoners.
After armed men stormed a studio of state TV channel TC Televisión during a live news broadcast on Tuesday and took numerous hostages, the government sent the army into battle against the gangs.
President Daniel Noboa declared by decree that Ecuador was in an internal armed conflict. He declared 22 criminal groups terrorist organizations and non-state belligerents that must be eliminated.
The security situation in Ecuador had recently deteriorated dramatically. The murder rate of 46.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants last year was the highest in the history of the once peaceful Andean country and one of the highest in Latin America.
Several gangs linked to powerful Mexican cartels are fighting for control of drug trafficking routes. Ecuador is a major transit country for cocaine from Colombia, Peru and Bolivia that is smuggled to the United States and Europe.
(sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
