Ecuador in 'Internal Armed Conflict' with Drug Gangs, President Declares

As the country grapples with escalating violence, US offers assistance and security forces regain control of several prisons.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has declared the country to be in an 'internal armed conflict' with powerful drug gangs controlling the cocaine smuggling trade.
President Noboa has ordered the military to 'neutralize' 22 armed groups which he redefined as terrorist organizations.
Washington is offering its help with a delegation of US law enforcement, military and diplomatic personnel due to arrive in Ecuador in the coming weeks.
About 180 prison officers are still held hostage by criminal gangs inside several prisons.
Ecuador's security forces have regained control of several prisons and secured the release of more than 200 officials held hostage inside the jails.