Ecuador Plunging Into Civil War, Several Killed

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR (Worthy News) – At least 10 people were killed as Ecuador plunged further into civil war Wednesday, a day after gunmen stormed a television station in the country’s largest city.

Gangs declared war on the government when President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency following the prison escape on Sunday of one of Ecuador’s most powerful drug bosses.

Noboa ordered military operations to “neutralize” criminal gangs as the country exploded into what he called an “internal armed conflict.”

In retaliation, the gang took police officers hostage, setting off explosions in several cities. On Tuesday, they stormed a studio of state-owned TC Television in the port city of Guayaquil with guns and explosives.

Hooded attackers fired gunshots during a live TC broadcast as a woman could be heard pleading: “Don’t shoot, please don’t shoot.”

The intruders forced the terrified crew onto the ground, and a person could be heard screaming as the studio lights went out, but the broadcast continued.

Police eventually rescued the TV staff and detained the 13 men who burst into TC’s studio during a live broadcast with long-range guns, grenades, and dynamites, witnesses said.

MILITARY OPERATIONS

President Noboa, 36, who was elected last year on a pledge to fight drug-related violence, ordered military operations against gangs.

He described them as “terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors.”

Authorities reported multiple explosions and cars set alight on Tuesday, including in the capital Quito, and said seven police officers had been kidnapped.

Long a peaceful haven sandwiched between top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years.

Rival gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels have been blamed for the violence as they vie for control.

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