Ecuador President Declares War on Drug Gangs Holding Prison Guards Hostage
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared that the country is at war with drug gangs who are holding prison guards hostage. This comes amidst a surge in violence, including explosions in multiple cities and a dramatic incident where gunmen took over a TV live broadcast. Noboa has named 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, making them official military targets.
Ecuador President's War Against Drug Gangs
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared that the country is at war with drug gangs following a surge in violence. The gangs are holding prison guards hostage, and this has prompted Noboa to take action against them.
Noboa has named 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, making them official military targets. The president took power in November with a promise to tackle the growing security problem caused by drug-trafficking gangs transporting cocaine through Ecuador.
State of Emergency and Efforts to Rescue Hostages
In response to the hostage-takings of over 130 prison guards and staff, as well as the apparent escape of a gang leader from prison, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency.
Efforts are being made to rescue the prison hostages. Since the state of emergency began, 329 people, mostly members of the gangs, have been arrested. The armed forces commander, Jaime Vela, stated that no hostages have been murdered.
Deportation of Foreign Prisoners and U.S. Support
Noboa announced that the country will begin deporting foreign prisoners, particularly Colombians, to reduce prison populations. He stated that there are around 1,500 Colombians in prison in Ecuador, and prisoners from Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela account for 90% of jailed foreigners.
Noboa met with the U.S. ambassador, and the U.S. has pledged aid within days. The president's security plan includes $200 million worth of weapons from the United States.
