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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.

A soldier walks past residents on the south side of Quito, Ecuador, in the wake of the apparent escape of a powerful gang leader from prison, Jan. 12, 2024 (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa).
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Members of the Army's Elite Forces frisk men and check their identities during a patrol in the streets of Moran, a neighbourhood in northern Quito, on 11 January 2024

Overview

  • 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.