Ecuador is facing a significant escalation in violence, with President Daniel Naboa declaring the country to be at war with drug gangs. The crisis intensified with a series of bomb attacks, hostage-taking of over 130 prison officers by inmates, and a dramatic live broadcast raid on a TV station by armed gang members in the city of Guayaquil. Tourists have been advised to stay indoors, and non-essential travel is discouraged. President Naboa has imposed a state of emergency, a curfew, and designated 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, directing the military to neutralize them.
- Ecuador President declares state of war against drug gangs following a surge of violence.
- Over 130 prison officers held hostage and notorious drug lord Adul Masas Vamar, alias Fito, escapes from prison.
- Armed groups linked to cartels have launched bomb attacks and raided a live TV broadcast in Guayaquil, taking hostages.
- Tourists warned to stay indoors, with all but essential travel being discouraged.
- President Daniel Naboa imposes state of emergency and curfew, designates 22 gangs as terrorist organizations.
- Military ordered to “neutralize” these gangs, which President Naboa refers to as terrorists.
- Violence and rioting have led to shutdowns of schools, businesses, and eruptions of chaos in prisons.
- Two prison guards arrested for allegedly aiding the escape of gang leader Fito.
- Public fear escalates as security concerns grow amidst the violence.
- The crisis is viewed as a result of years-long issues, with Ecuador transitioning from one of Latin America’s safest nations to one of the most violent.
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current state with its current name on New Year’s Day 1927.
AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
https://www.allsides.com/news-source/bbc-news-media-bias
Official website: https://www.bbc.com/
Original video here.
This summary has been generated by AI.