QUITO, Ecuador: Ecuador is facing an unprecedented crisis as criminal gangs declared war on the government following the escape of one of the country’s most powerful narco bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as “Fito.”
President Daniel Noboa, in response to escalating violence, has declared a state of emergency and ordered military operations to “neutralize” criminal organizations, terming the situation an “internal armed conflict.”
The violence erupted when Fito, the leader of Ecuador’s largest gang, Los Choneros, escaped from prison on Sunday.
Gangs retaliated by taking police officers hostage, setting off explosions across several cities, and declaring war against the government.
Guayaquil, the port city, witnessed a shocking incident as armed individuals stormed a state-owned TV station during a live broadcast, taking journalists and staff members hostage.
ALSO READ: Gunshots on Live TV as Ecuador Gangsters Vow ‘War’
President Noboa, elected last year with a focus on combating drug-related violence, expressed determination to confront what he described as “terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors.” The situation escalated with gangs issuing threats of random executions, leading to panic on the streets. Shops closed early, and residents rushed home as face-to-face classes were suspended nationwide until Friday.
In response to the crisis, the United States expressed extreme concern, pledging assistance and maintaining close contact with President Noboa’s team. Peru declared a state of emergency along its border with Ecuador, while China suspended embassy services in Ecuador until further notice. Chile, Colombia, and Brazil conveyed messages of support for Ecuador during this tumultuous period.
A manhunt is underway for Fito, who was serving a 34-year sentence for organized crime, drug trafficking, and murder. Another narco boss, Fabricio Colon Pico of Los Lobos, also escaped, intensifying the unrest. Unverified videos on social media suggested brutal acts within prisons, with inmates allegedly holding guards hostage and executing some of them.
President Noboa, vowing not to negotiate with terrorists, emphasized the commitment to restoring peace in Ecuador. The country, historically a peaceful haven, has witnessed a surge in violence as rival gangs with international connections vie for control, causing the murder rate to quadruple since 2018. The recent escape and ensuing chaos underscore the challenges Ecuador faces in tackling drug-related violence and maintaining law and order.
