Ecuador is facing a severe crisis as President Daniel Noboa's crackdown on organized crime has led to a violent backlash from drug cartels. Masked gunmen stormed a TV station, taking staff hostage during a live broadcast. The assailants, who have been arrested, were reportedly equipped with military grenades from the Peruvian Armed Forces. In response to the escalating violence, which includes the kidnapping of police officers who were forced to read a cryptic message warning President Noboa of 'consequences left to see', the President has ordered the army to 'neutralize' 20 drug gangs and declared a state of emergency. Citizens have been seen arming themselves and joining forces with police to combat the narcoterrorism that is sweeping through their country. The unrest has also led to 178 prison guards and staff being held hostage across at least five prisons. The government has named 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, making them military targets, as 3,000 soldiers hunt for a powerful drug gang boss. The turmoil follows the disappearance of a well-known gang leader from prison, sparking explosions, looting, gunfire, and burning vehicles. Peru has sent troops to the border as the country descends into chaos, with some describing the situation as a 'civil war'.
Ecuador's security forces have taken back control of several prisons that had fallen into the hands of gangs. The release of more than 200 officials held hostage inside the jails was also secured https://t.co/2B9pUArXva https://t.co/HDOU4lUMNQ
All staff who were seized as hostages during prison riots in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence have been freed, according to authorities. https://t.co/Fc4Csie0U2
All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence were freed, officials said https://t.co/ZVEew968L0 https://t.co/UuGAiWSul8
ECUADOR CRACKS DOWN ON PRISONS TO RESTORE ORDER AFTER HOSTAGE CRISIS (Reuters) Ecuador's police and military on Sunday were aiming to restore order inside the country's dangerous prisons where dozens of staff were held hostage by inmates amid an uptick in violence in the Andean… https://t.co/xWZelGNUAH
At least 41 prison guards and administrative employees who were being held by inmates in Ecuador have been released, the country’s prison agency said. https://t.co/JcbzGrVu70
Reign of terror at Ecuadorian prison comes to an end as hostages held captive by rioting inmates are freed after attempted power grab by drug gangs https://t.co/w6y7Q2fQMW https://t.co/wENN1uCGpB
Ecuador said all prison guards and staffers taken hostage last week have now been released https://t.co/Q7xqaREX4D
Ecuador cracks down on prisons to restore order after hostage crisis https://t.co/S3KyEWP9Ff https://t.co/umzQQYstW0
Police and army free staff taken hostage at Ecuador’s prisons https://t.co/1SVmw6IYr7
All remaining 136 prison guards and administrative workers who were seized as #hostages during prison riots in #Ecuador are freed, prison authorities say. https://t.co/4L30tIhQTY
Ecuadorian journalist reveals terrifying threats hooded gang made as they held gun to his neck after storming TV studio while live on air https://t.co/ESk0KThYd9 https://t.co/QcKwSGFhNZ
Ecuador prison staff being held hostage by inmates released: Officials https://t.co/vmKCy8wnpx https://t.co/YSP2Iao4bJ
In Ecuador, hostage employees of correctional institutions have been liberated https://t.co/D7ThYhJl8B https://t.co/Qr2CTKeX7v
All 136 Hostages Seized During Prison Riots In Ecuador Released: Officials https://t.co/FRcp5eEwPE https://t.co/dgOnDfXBnF
Ecuador prison staff being held hostage by inmates released, according to officials. https://t.co/K1oPDZ0Fp0
VIDEO: Tanks and soldiers patrol the streets of Ecuador as narcos sow terror nationwide after declaring all-out war on a government trying to rein them in. This is what you need to know about the unfolding crisis in the once-peaceful South American nation. https://t.co/IznAxD4wRN
Twenty-four prison guards and 17 staffers taken hostage in Ecuador this week were released Saturday, according to a statement from the nation’s prison authority posted on X https://t.co/Eun6ZVVlsz
Eleven prison guards held hostage by inmates in Ecuador freed https://t.co/ESCFs76EKD https://t.co/RVenwSJzkL
🇪🇨🚨‼️ BREAKING: Captive prison guards send a message to President Daniel Noboa from Machala prison. The situation in Ecuador is calm on the steeets, but the hostage situations are still not resolved. https://t.co/QnYAmUkcjN
This week has seen days of unrest in Ecuador as two gang leaders escaped from prison and violence has erupted across the country. John Walsh joined the WarCast to explain what happened. https://t.co/Z9XvLfGIlA
Why today's gang violence in Ecuador shouldn't shock you https://t.co/Lr6POa8vmY
🇪🇨🐯 Ecuadorian police make gang members roar like tigers. https://t.co/afQdw0Cl9u
How Ecuador became mired in a ‘state of war’ with drug gangs https://t.co/Heg9tHeF1M
.@GeopolWonk : Sadly, with no sign of Noboa or any major politician in Ecuador being willing or able to change their militarized approach, the cycle of violence will likely continue, if not escalate. https://t.co/Lr6POa93cw
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Looks like the Ecuadorian army is ripping out the nails of caught criminals. Ehhhm? https://t.co/LcaWadP6Th
.@GeopolWonk : In Ecuador, as more gangs develop, the govt will respond with more violence and the suspension of liberties, leading to more deaths and repression. https://t.co/Lr6POa8vmY
More Signs of War in South America, As Ecuadorian Government Declares “Internal Armed Conflict” With Drug Cartels https://t.co/Gx6LVcVEYj https://t.co/ZTAlYatjWq
Ecuador struggles to reclaim normalcy after gang violence https://t.co/KDTDvpMwoH https://t.co/bb1xyoSOr5
The brazen gang violence gripping Ecuador has shocked the world, but it's a familiar story in other countries across Latin America, where the shifting tides of the drug war have brought conflict to places previously thought peaceful. https://t.co/BSEh5f7Uwp
A gang leader's disappearance Sunday led the government of Ecuador to declare a state of emergency, sending the military into prisons and sparking a wave of at least 30 attacks, including an assault at a television station. Here's what to know: https://t.co/3yundWndXM
ICYMI: Armed people are seen on the streets of Ecuador as violence escalates in the country. A 60-day state of emergency has been declared by President Daniel Noboa. #Ecuador Read more: https://t.co/rTajhNIeP9 https://t.co/TrJ6IocVQ1
Ecuador security forces conduct raids as prison guards remain hostage https://t.co/reXktY9Y9Y https://t.co/vt8wugjpVZ
A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador as the government and drug gangs declare war on each other. Here's what you need to know about what is happening in Ecuador: https://t.co/ZFNCRAVJ4g
⚠️ ECUADOR SECURITY FORCES CONDUCT RAIDS AS PRISON GUARDS REMAIN HOSTAGE (Reuters) Military and police operations took place around Ecuador on Thursday in response to a wave of violence and the detention of nearly 180 prison staff by inmates, with the government pledging to… https://t.co/axZtSKMyh7
Ecuadorian authorities say 178 prison guards and staff were held hostage in a standoff against cartels
BREAKING: Ecuador says 178 prison guards, staff held hostage in gang standoff READ: https://t.co/dCKdi1ubhK https://t.co/seB88DYlf6
#BREAKING Ecuador says 178 prison guards, staff held hostage in gang standoff https://t.co/yUgHSAmeFn
SIGNS: Ecuador May Be Under “Internal Armed Conflict” After Live TV Broadcast Attack https://t.co/EQ2BdEmQz0
More than 100 prison guards held hostage in Ecuador amid state of emergency https://t.co/LFE3NnIkBW https://t.co/4taw8mhQrG
NEW: Why we can't be continually surprised at the drug gang violence in Latin American countries— this time, Ecuador. @GeopolWonk : https://t.co/Lr6POa93cw
⚡ 🇪🇨 The army in Ecuador continues to clean the country from drug cartels and criminals. They post videos of the thugs getting lectured. They force two guys to slap each other and hit them, if they slap too weak. @MyLordBebo https://t.co/3gCE4ScWmv
Ecuador gripped by drug gang violence https://t.co/clz0bjsX3x
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Army in Ecuador continues to post videos of the thugs getting lectured. They force two guys to slap each other and hit them, if they slap too weak. https://t.co/lIBQ28GvRl
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Ecuadorian police keeps cracking down on the thugs. The chair of justice? https://t.co/23JY0F3wM3
VIDEO: 🇪🇨 Ecuador president says country 'in state of war' against cartels Daniel Noboa says the country is in a "state of war” against drug cartels who have carried out a wave of kidnappings and deadly attacks in response to government crackdown Credits: ECUADORIAN PRESIDENCY https://t.co/lGYIjIBSSq
One of Ecuador’s most-watched news programs, El Noticiero, was broadcasting live when gunmen stormed the studio. This thuggery is the latest, most dramatic episode in the country’s four-year slide into the grip of drug gangs https://t.co/RAF3Gmc2xq 👇
The streets in Ecuador fell silent the day after hooded gunman invaded a live television broadcast, as President Daniel Noboa declared a "state of war" on drug-trafficking gangs Read more🔗 https://t.co/7zRCTyftKZ
Watch: Armed people are seen on the streets of Ecuador as violence escalates in the country. A 60-day state of emergency has been declared by President Daniel Noboa. #Ecuador Read more: https://t.co/rTajhNIeP9 https://t.co/kqZiR0A5Pb
#Ecuador president says country is at war with drug gangs https://t.co/fNzIBkV03h
A live broadcast on Ecuadorean TV was dramatically interrupted by balaclava-clad gunmen, amid a fresh wave of violence that's shaken Ecuador after a high-profile gang leader disappeared from prison over the weekend https://t.co/Tpay9VvBIo https://t.co/X4oWFfRxui
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Yesterday the Ecuadorian police was posting many videos of caught criminals and their humiliation. https://t.co/nvYo5LgQNV
Ecuador is in turmoil after gang leaders escape prison. Here’s everything you need to know about the situation: https://t.co/hyIeOzx9Ju
Ecuador is reeling from a fresh wave of violence, with President Daniel Noboa launching a military crackdown on gangs after criminal groups took more than 100 prison staff hostage and armed men dramatically interrupted a live television broadcast https://t.co/Tpay9Vw9xW https://t.co/86h1ATHxQ4
Deserted streets in Ecuador as president declares 'state of war' on drug gangs Read more🔗 https://t.co/7BIbAZq3GK
With city streets largely deserted apart from a massive military deployment, Ecuador has found itself in a "state of war", as drug cartels wage a brutal campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown https://t.co/kpvOHxBR9Z https://t.co/TBcxJafv7S
#Ecuador President Daniel Noboa says that his country is “at war” with drug gangs who are holding more than 130 prison guards hostage, amid a big surge in violence that saw gunmen briefly take over a TV live broadcast and explosions in multiple cities. https://t.co/ZfBp4WTbE3
Ecuador president says country is at war with drug gangs https://t.co/MYpS4aKkMF https://t.co/gmE1WplD94
Chaos erupts in Ecuador as drug cartels escalate violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency. For the next 7 days, see how foreign malign influencers are amplifying coverage of this story. #NarrativeIntelligence https://t.co/mPWjCa01U5
🇪🇨🚨‼️ The Cartel released message! New message from a Criminal Organization to the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa. https://t.co/cJFQOB6EfJ
Soldiers patrol streets in Ecuador as government and cartels declare war on each other https://t.co/LcIR3aFn8t via @CBSNews
A wave of unrest and gang violence has swept through Ecuador following the prison break of a notorious drug lord https://t.co/j7t2uJeQZR
Ecuador is in the middle of an internal armed conflict. https://t.co/wsbmCJI9yP
The unprecedented assault on the TV station in Guayaquil, a port city in Ecuador, came hours after a series of other attacks and police officer abductions. https://t.co/MoJknkjzUQ
🔊 A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador, where a live TV broadcast was interrupted by masked gunmen. We have more on the violence sweeping the country on the Reuters World News daily podcast https://t.co/l7nMUSWRjv https://t.co/TxHaI7V844
Ecuador’s war with narco gangs has spilled into the open, paralyzing the nation and sending images of prison riots and masked gunmen taking over a live TV broadcast rocketing across the world https://t.co/hNSMYije42
In Ecuador, the government has imposed a state of emergency following an uptick in violence. The country, once considered peaceful, is ensnared in a fight against the growing power of organized crime. Here’s a look at what’s going on: https://t.co/rvdIBf6pVI https://t.co/jLZmnnXQx6
Ecuador declares war on criminal gangs following armed assault on television station (w/ @DelgadoAntonioM) https://t.co/8NwpXOGMLu
Key moments in Ecuador's fresh wave of violence https://t.co/v38Tg8lMCY https://t.co/3glizHk2ra
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Ecuadorian police makes caught criminals sing their songs. https://t.co/LozpjTSXNz
🇪🇨🚨‼️ Ecuadorian police makes fought criminals sing their songs. https://t.co/YHsAOxS4pU
Ecuador is at war with drug gangs, President Daniel Noboa said, a day after gunmen took over a TV studio and launched a series of attacks against the government https://t.co/34H9y9cw7Q https://t.co/34H9y9cw7Q
Ecuador In Bloody Civil War As Drug Cartels Take Over Country https://t.co/yK97pLs3Bq
Ecuador's president says nation is "at war" as drug cartels, gangs take over country https://t.co/bXbrGR8qrY
The quick escalation of violence in Ecuador, where armed men broke into a TV station days after the country's most notorious criminal escaped from prison, points to a complex and prolonged conflict that's been slowly brewing. https://t.co/JnSM29H9au
Gunmen stormed a television station in Guayaquil, Ecuador, taking hostages and exchanging gunfire with the police before they were subdued and arrested. The violence, captured as cameras rolled, erupted as the country descended into chaos this week. https://t.co/BsUTAj37kk https://t.co/sVEHV5i0Is
Ecuador has imposed a state of emergency following an uptick in violence. Experts saying the country, once considered peaceful, is ensnared in a “challenging” fight against organized crime. Here’s a look at what’s going on: https://t.co/EMtPPfIjHE
Armed gang members broke into a public television station in Ecuador during a live broadcast, as gangs carried out attacks across the country that appeared to be in response to a planned crackdown against drug-trafficking groups https://t.co/28J56xke2Y https://t.co/m1JY3IRZ7M
Ecuador’s president declares war with drug gangs as prison guards held hostage https://t.co/vUd0yF76mw
*ECUADOR INMATES HOLD 125 GUARDS, 14 WORKERS HOSTAGE IN PRISONS
Ecuador has been rocked by attacks since Monday night, but the assault on the newscast was seen in real time in thousands of homes across the country. https://t.co/MoJknkjzUQ
Ecuador Declares Martial Law in Response to Day Filled With Gang Violence — Here’s What Happened: https://t.co/PHzyHLlvy9
President of Ecuador: We are at war. https://t.co/Ni47FxU8W2
NEW: Soldiers on the street as Ecuador declares war on drug cartels https://t.co/mFmapvbvus
Ecuador plunges into all-out gang warfare, president calls on military to "neutralize" chaos https://t.co/8sBzwWqUkR
Gunmen storm Ecuador TV station after president declares state of emergency https://t.co/gYtLLtVK7u https://t.co/urD2QRMTQ9
🔴Police officers kidnapped by Ecuadorian gangs have been forced to deliver a statement declaring “war” on the country. Find out more here👇 https://t.co/L3uHq9cKaz https://t.co/0SFalueJBh
Over 130 prison staff hostages in Ecuador amid government crackdown on criminal gangs https://t.co/CNisVhXGY5 https://t.co/jQwXEQh5lF
Ecuador president says country is at war as gangs hold prison staff hostage https://t.co/93ShwBN8f9 https://t.co/5LKgQr7xLV
Yesterday gang members invaded an Ecuadorian TV channel live on air, underlining the country's recent descent into an abyss of narco-violence. What's next? Read @sebashurtado in @AmerQuarterly: https://t.co/TmpS8IMABW
Footage shows armed gang storming studio live on Ecuadorian TV station – video report https://t.co/XZy0A4kgAH
A live broadcast by Ecuadorean television station TC was interrupted by balaclava-clad gunmen, the most dramatic recent example of a renewed explosion of violence in the previously tranquil South American country https://t.co/oEfyZUNDCC 1/4 https://t.co/WIgNjXWkMj
Armed men storm an Ecuador TV studio during a live broadcast as attacks in the country escalate https://t.co/d6X713nMMh https://t.co/PiNvHPeWZT
Explosions, looting, and the storming of a hospital and a TV station were reported in Ecuador as gangs across the country retaliated against a state of emergency declaration by the government. https://t.co/en7EP1vS1Q
1/ Wild scenes are unfolding in Ecuador as gang violence escalates and the president declares a state of "internal armed conflict". Nevertheless, Ecuador's rise as the leading cocaine transit country in LatAm also affects the bordering Amazon regions in Colombia and Peru👇
More than 130 prison guards and other staff are being held hostage by inmates in at least five prisons around Ecuador, which is reeling from an escalation of violence in recent days. #Ecuador | #EcuadorPrison https://t.co/UcM2dg5RiF
A group of armed men attacked an Ecuadorian TV station during a live broadcast. What's behind the spiraling violence? https://t.co/gFL7FRkEJv
⚠️ MORE THAN 130 ECUADOR PRISON STAFF HELD HOSTAGE AS ARMED FORCES TARGET CRIME GANGS (Reuters) More than 130 prison guards and other staff are being held hostage by inmates in at least five prisons around Ecuador, which is reeling from an escalation of violence in recent days.…
The moment gunmen stormed a television station during a live broadcast in #Ecuador. #EcuadorBajoAtaque #EcuadorDeMalEnPeor #EcuadorExigeSeguridad #EcuadorNoAguantaMas #EcuadorSeDesangra https://t.co/Z3KYe1hSwP
Brutal prison violence, a drug lord's escape and a nationwide curfew - what's happening in Ecuador? Find out below: https://t.co/bgyDdDMP7L
A group of armed, masked men broke into a TV studio in Ecuador during a live news broadcast on Tuesday afternoon Read more 👇 https://t.co/uv1bxnwKr9 https://t.co/M6IdTnGRhV
Masked men broke onto the set of a public television channel in Ecuador waving guns and explosives during a live broadcast Tuesday, and the president issued a decree declaring that the South American country had entered an "internal armed conflict." https://t.co/ndZ7CgCJ7p
A live broadcast by Ecuadorean TV station TC was interrupted by armed men, with gunshots and yelling heard on a live feed, after President Daniel Noboa declared a national state of emergency and issued a decree declaring 22 gangs as terrorist organizations https://t.co/u2kEiqR1Vp https://t.co/wqlVgJhCgE
Gunmen Storm Live Broadcast Amid Mass Violence In Ecuador - Prez Declares 'Internal Armed Conflict' https://t.co/PwIDpOOjNz
Masked men broke onto the set of a public television channel in Ecuador waving guns and explosives during a live broadcast on Tuesday, and the president issued a decree declaring that the country had entered an "internal armed conflict." https://t.co/jAe2GNKqEa
Moment 'Ecuadorian troops viciously beat rounded-up gang members' as cartels parade hostages, execute cops and declare 'war' after president imposed state of emergency following mob boss Fito's jail escape https://t.co/ixG9aaCrXV https://t.co/8EDYpzDffL
Ecuador is in crisis mode, as it struggles to tackle a bloody drug war. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of "internal armed conflict" and designated more than 20 gangs as terrorist groups, making them military targets. Here's the latest. https://t.co/WXkUW2KBSG
What's going on in Ecuador? TV station attack prompts president to declare war on armed gangs https://t.co/lI7xXVeZvx
Crisis Erupts In Ecuador Amid Nationwide Wave Of Gang Violence—What You Need To Know https://t.co/JGOfrAF2Eo https://t.co/tgtG0rHFMU
A group of armed, masked men in Ecuador launched an audacious attack on a television station during a live broadcast and so revealed the country’s spiraling violence in the wake of an apparent recent prison escape. https://t.co/Vl3Os7USpp https://t.co/ZdhM4xxrfT
Gunmen in Ecuador storm TV studio in wave of violence - Reuters https://t.co/GE6TLXjd5t
Violence erupted across Ecuador this week after a well-known gang leader disappeared from prison. Explosions, looting, gunfire and burning vehicles were reported. In the largest city, gunmen stormed a TV studio during a broadcast. Here's what to know. https://t.co/nnJQ8QHGWg
Violence surging in #Ecuador as President Noboa declares a state of emergency to combat organized crime. https://t.co/nmE3NjYEO6 https://t.co/lKeL8uUGeg https://t.co/JB96XxeDxh
Gunmen seize hostages on live broadcast in Ecuadorian TV studio https://t.co/DacRnZcMfQ https://t.co/2gxDRmMDkp
Watch: Masked gunmen storm TV studio in Ecuador as violence rocks country https://t.co/ZBXlP9aMYd
Ecuador faced a string of violent incidents, including the on-air invasion of a TV station by gunmen, as President Daniel Noboa named 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and military targets https://t.co/u2kEiqRzKX https://t.co/3C3uD2rjSU
As 3,000 soldiers hunt for a powerful drug gang boss, a wave of bombings and kidnappings has rocked Ecuador, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency https://t.co/rzBTgx2g43
Ecuador's escalating gang violence is broadcast live to the nation as masked gunmen storm TV studio https://t.co/mHFdpLaWpw
Cartel members storm a TV station and take hostages during a broadcast in Ecuador https://t.co/mZBkDH2Mgf
Inside Ecuador's brutal drug gangs: How ruthless cartels are leaving a bloody trail of destruction in battle for supremacy - as country spirals out of control in 'civil war' https://t.co/iHVfySufwx https://t.co/9iBMTjV3Yd
Ecuador’s president orders gangs are ‘neutralised’ after masked gunmen storm TV channel and threaten terrified staff https://t.co/rn4YPvj4eg
🇪🇨 Armed men wearing balaclavas burst into the studio of a public television station on Tuesday in #Ecuador's drug violence-torn port city of Guayaquil They took hostage several journalists and staff members live on air. @ioangrillo tells us more 👇 https://t.co/yFHcT3w7py
🚨🇪🇨 BREAKING: ECUADOR CARTEL HAD GRENADES FROM PERU MILITARY Narcoterrorists who overtook an Ecuadorian TV station were reportedly armed with military grenades bearing the insignia of the Peruvian Armed Forces. The masked gunmen stormed the station, terrorizing staff with… https://t.co/daOPPDBZCT https://t.co/PhOTqy4zja
Masked Gunmen Storm TV Studio During Live Broadcast In Ecuador https://t.co/aHLiSpjzRm
Ecuador unrest LIVE: State of emergency declared after gangsters unleash wave of violence across the country - as Peru sends troops to the border https://t.co/RMo3gzpHCA https://t.co/YeJl6hsDjL
NEW: ⚡ 🇪🇨 Ecuador's citizens take up arms against drug cartels Locals in Ecuador can be seen arming themselves and joining forces with the police to combat the rising narcoterrorism sweeping through their country. @WarMonitors https://t.co/BDF18qvsMS https://t.co/jKTYOKMlIm
Lawless Ecuador descends into 'civil war' chaos: President orders army to 'neutralise' 20 drug gangs as heavily armed cartel thugs seize TV show, parade terrified hostages and threaten to execute ANYONE found on the streets at night https://t.co/pgkY6Ejcdg https://t.co/R6TvlpkdkA
🚨🇪🇨 ECUADOR NARCOTERRORISM: HOSTAGES READ CRYPTIC MESSAGE Kidnapped police officers in Ecuador read a threatening message from the cartel to the President. "There are consequences left to see, Mr. President. We respond here and now, we are defending ourselves." Source: Roi… https://t.co/22t7k7AmvF https://t.co/DmQDABoJnk
Armed gangsters stormed a TV station and took staff hostage in response to Ecuador President Daniel Noboa’s attempt to impose a crackdown on organized crime. No one was killed in the attack and all the masked intruders have been arrested, report says https://t.co/ypU0w7Z6ih https://t.co/F7CFFpVSyb