In Ecuador, authorities have taken a hard line as the government moves to address rising violence linked to criminal organizations. Commander-in-chief of the armed forces Jaime Vela Eraso stated that members of criminal groups operating within the country are legitimate military targets, and there will be no negotiations with them. In a video message, he reiterated that every terrorist organization named in President Daniel Noboa’s decree has become a target for the military, asserting that no terrorist attack will compel the army to surrender. This stance was reported by TASS and reflected in official communications from Ecuador’s leadership.
President Noboa issued a decree that formalizes the existence of an internal armed conflict and orders the neutralization of 22 criminal groups. The measure marks a significant shift in how the state views organized crime, elevating it to a security threat on par with an armed challenge to state authority. The decree provides a framework for intensified law enforcement and military actions aimed at dismantling criminal networks that have long troubled many regions of the country.
The security situation deteriorated after the leader of the Los Choneros gang, known by the nickname Fito, escaped custody on January 7. Concurrent riots erupted in several prisons, heightening tensions across the penal system. In response, President Noboa declared a state of emergency on January 8 and imposed a curfew to curb violence and restore order. The rapid sequence of events underscored the government’s resolve to confront criminal organizations with swift, decisive measures and to restore public safety in times of upheaval.
The Russian embassy in Ecuador issued warnings for travelers amid the unrest, advising caution to those visiting the country. The embassy’s statement noted that clashes between armed groups and security forces had resulted in casualties among police and civilians, while information about any Russian nationals who might be injured had not yet been confirmed. The advisory reflected broader regional concerns about security during periods of intense internal conflict, even as diplomatic missions monitored the situation closely.
Earlier reporting linked the broader criminal landscape in the region to a history of narcotics trafficking and clan clashes that have destabilized several communities. While the focus remains on state measures to neutralize criminal groups, observers emphasize the importance of ensuring humanitarian protections, due process, and transparent accountability as security operations continue. The evolving scenario in Ecuador illustrates how a government can escalate its response to organized crime while balancing regional stability and international concerns, all within a framework aimed at restoring lawful governance and public confidence.