A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador. 20 drug trafficking gangs are now considered terrorist groups.
In Ecuador, the day after the storming of a public television channel by a gang of drug traffickers, Ecuadorians lived on Wednesday in fear and anguish in the face of the unprecedented wave of violence which fell on the country.
In Quito, the capital, the police presence was increased after President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency.
The national state of emergency allows authorities to suspend citizens’ rights and mobilize the army in places such as prisons.
“Sadness and fear. It’s something we’re all experiencing right now, but it’s the fact that we don’t know what to do. Because in reality, there’s nothing we can do.”said Alisson Chicaiza, a rescuer from Quito.
The head of Ecuador’s armed forces announced Tuesday that the president had instructed him to consider the gangs plaguing the country as a military objective.
Jaime Vela Erazo made the announcement in a recorded statement broadcast from the presidential palace in Quito, surrounded by other senior military, security and government officials.
“We will not back down and negotiate. Good, justice and order cannot ask permission or bow our heads to terrorists”said Vela Erazo.
The government said at least 30 attacks have taken place since authorities announced that Los Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macías, alias Fito, escaped from his cell.
