Ecuador’s president has directed the crackdown on criminal gangs following a violent incident at a television studio, where masked gunmen attacked during a live broadcast.
The assault led to 13 arrests and injuries to two employees.
The country declared a 60-day state of emergency after a notorious gangster’s disappearance.
President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” and mobilized the armed forces to neutralize transnational organized crime.
The situation prompted neighboring Peru to deploy a police force to prevent potential spillover instability.
The US condemned the attacks and offered assistance.
The surge in violence in Ecuador is linked to drug cartel conflicts over cocaine routes.
The assailants at the TV station were arrested, with police vowing punishment for terrorist acts.
