Ecuador's prison riots end with liberation of hostages, death of guard amid state of emergency
The national prison service, SNAI, reported the release of 178 prison workers held hostage amidst the riots, following the declaration of a state of emergency. The freed hostages were taken late Saturday to early Sunday and include 158 guards and 20 administrative staff.
4:10 AM EST, January 14, 2024
On Saturday morning, a firefight broke out between soldiers, police, and prisoners at a correctional facility in the province of El Oro, located in the southwest of the country. The confrontation resulted in the death of a guard and injury of another, as reported by the SNAI.
Earlier on Saturday, the Ecuadorian police announced the release of 11 guards held by inmates at a prison in the province of Esmeraldas, which borders Colombia. According to the "El Diario" newspaper, their release followed negotiations mediated by a priest.
President declares state of emergency
Since Monday, when Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa, declared a state of emergency and ordered the military to combat drug gangs, over 1100 arrests have been made, including 94 individuals suspected of terrorist activity, according to a report released by SNAI on Saturday.
Unrest and conflict between law enforcement forces and gang members continue to spread throughout the country. On Tuesday, a group of masked and armed individuals stormed a television studio, interrupting a live program. Explosions and abductions of police officers have been reported in various cities.
In Guayaquil, the country's largest city, six individuals about to depart for the Galapagos were arrested on Saturday morning, as reported by "El Diario". It emphasized that authorities are exerting efforts to prevent criminals from seeking refuge on these islands belonging to Ecuador.
The government attributes the current wave of violence to drug gangs reacting against the president's plan to overhaul the country's penitentiary system. Riots in numerous correctional facilities began last Sunday following the escape of one of Ecuador's most dangerous criminals, the leader of the Los Choneros gang, Adolfo Macias, also known as Fito.
