Ecuador, a country known for its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, is now facing unprecedented terror. In a shocking series of events, gangsters have unleashed chaos across the nation. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in response to riots and a crackdown on drug traffickers. This drastic measure aims to regain control over the spiraling situation in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.
Violent Attack on Media
During a live news show, heavily armed narcos stormed a TV station. It was a swift and violent attack: they shot a cameraman and injured another employee. A terrified employee narrated hearing gunshots and running for safety. This event has left Ecuadorians in a state of shock and fear. Shops and schools have shut down in the aftermath.
Government Response
In response to the escalating violence, President Noboa has deployed 3,000 soldiers and police officers to take charge of the country’s prisons. The police and law enforcement are now in a desperate search for a notorious gang boss known as Feto, the leader of the powerful cartel Los Choneros. The violence isn’t isolated to just one area; incidents have erupted in at least six major prisons across the country.
The Rise of Los Choneros
Los Choneros, led by Feto, is a powerful gang known for its control over prisons and involvement in a range of crimes, including extortion, murder, and drug trafficking. The gang’s influence is so significant that it’s believed to have played a role in Feto’s recent escape.
Broader Impact of Violence
The surge in violence isn’t confined to prisons. More than 400 inmates have died in gang feuds since 2021. Outside prison walls, cartels are fighting for control over cocaine routes to the US and Europe, further intensifying the violence. This breakout is a severe embarrassment to the government, especially since President Noboa promised to tackle gang-related crime upon taking office. The government is struggling to prevent this crisis, with police officers kidnapped and reports of explosions.
State of Emergency
The situation has thrown the country into chaos, prompting an overnight curfew. Ecuador is now under a 60-day state of emergency, allowing the government to suspend certain rights and deploy the army, especially in prisons.
Expert Insights
To understand this better, we spoke with Wolf Grendorf, a political scientist specializing in Latin American policy. He explains that Ecuador is facing two internal wars: one between major drug gangs and another between these gangs and the government. The involvement of corrupt elements within the government and law enforcement complicates the situation further. These cartels, now almost independent entities, have evolved from their Mexican counterparts. They control not just drug trafficking but also extortion and the prison system, making the fight against them incredibly challenging.
Looking Ahead
As we try to grasp the severity of this situation, it’s clear that Ecuador faces a tough road ahead. The government’s capacity to handle this crisis free from corruption will be crucial in regaining control and peace.
