Ecuador in Crisis: Masked Gunmen Storm TV Station, Explosions Rock Cities, and Gang Leader Escapes
Watan-A stir erupted in Ecuador after masked gunmen stormed a public television station and issued threats live on air.
In live television footage, masked individuals, some wielding guns, were seen inside the ‘TC’ television station in the city of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
Subsequently, the armed individuals instructed the employees to lie on the ground, shouting that they had ‘bombs.’
Ecuadorian police reported that they had apprehended all the gunmen, while the channel’s staff were evacuated. In a statement, the police assured that all the workers and hostages at the station were unharmed.
The General Commander of the National Police, Cesar Zabala, stated that at least four firearms, two hand grenades, and explosive materials were found, confirming the arrest of 13 individuals. Zabala emphasized that the perpetrators would be brought to justice for their actions, describing them as terrorist.
Jorge Rendon, the presenter on the ‘TC’ channel, described the takeover of the broadcast as an ‘extremely violent attack.’ Rendon stated in a video on the channel’s official X platform account: ‘They wanted to storm the studio so we could say what they wanted and convey specific messages.’
Rendon added that he learned of gunfire, with one person being shot and another injured by the attackers.
🚨BREAKING: ECUADOR – POLICE OFFICERS KIDNAPPED | EXPLOSIONS IN CITIES | PRISONS IN CHAOS
A series of explosions across multiple cities in Ecuador have erupted. At least 4 Police officers have been kidnapped in Machala and Quito.
These events occur shortly after the escape… pic.twitter.com/aaDDAwGenc
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 9, 2024
Widespread riots and hostage situations erupted concurrently in several cities and prisons across the country.
The unrest followed authorities raiding multiple prisons nationwide last Sunday to search for weapons, disband inmate gang members, and redistribute them to different facilities. During the inspection of Guayaquil prison, law enforcement officials discovered the escape of the leader of the notorious gang ‘Los Choneros,’ José Adolfo Masías Bellamar, also known as ‘Vito,’ considered the most dangerous criminal in the country.
In response, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared the country in a state of ‘armed internal conflict.’ Noboa ordered the reinforcement and security guarantee for high-ranking officials and their families in the country.
The Ecuadorian army deployed military vehicles in various regions and strategic points in the capital city, Quito, in response to these disturbances. The army reportedly deployed military equipment and armored vehicles, aiming to position them at strategically important locations, according to the newspaper ‘Ecosofía.’
The army also issued orders to carry out operations to neutralize illegal armed groups.
🚨🇪🇨 A soldier kicks the head of a cartel member in Ecuador. pic.twitter.com/9k4YCt40t4
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) January 10, 2024
Explosions follow declaration of a state of emergency
The country has witnessed explosions, arrests, and prison disturbances since President Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency following the escape of the prominent gang leader Adolfo ‘Vito’ Masías from a prison in Guayaquil.
The state of emergency is expected to last for 60 days, during which police and military forces have been mobilized to maintain public order. A curfew has been imposed from 11 PM to 5 AM.
