Ecuador's Prison Crisis: Hostages Freed Amid Rising Violence

President Noboa's military crackdown on criminal gangs triggers nationwide chaos, nearly 900 arrests made

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a state of 'internal armed conflict' and launched a military crackdown on criminal gangs after the escape of notorious gang leader Jose Adolfo Macias, known as 'Fito'.
Following the declaration, violent confrontations erupted across the country, with gang members attacking security forces, taking prison staff hostage, and causing widespread chaos.
All 136 hostages, including prison guards and administrative workers, were released on Saturday night, according to the SNAI prison authorities.
Since the declaration, nearly 900 people have been arrested, including 94 identified as members of 'terrorist' groups.
The crisis has highlighted the strain on Ecuador's correctional system and the increasing influence of transnational cartels in the country.