President Daniel Noboa acknowledged an internal armed conflict in Ecuador through an emergency decree, underscoring the gravity of a crisis that has intensified in recent hours. Incidents ranged from a dramatic prison breakout by José Adolfo Macías, known as Fito, the head of Los Choneros, to riots across multiple facilities and armed intrusions into a live public television broadcast. The decree, awaiting congressional approval, directs the Armed Forces to neutralize 22 criminal organizations identified as terrorist groups and aggressive non-state actors within the country.
The president named a list of groups allegedly operating in Ecuador, including Águilas, ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller, Choneros, Covicheros, Cuartel de las Feas, Cubanos, Fatales, Gánster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings, Lobos, Los p.27, Los Tiburones, Mafia 18, Mafia Trébol, Patrones, R7, and Tiguerones.
SOSTC TELEVISION pic.twitter.com/Ea2ORbRX2b
— Emergencies (@EmergenciasEc) January 9, 2024
By taking this step, the executive branch broadens its response to the drug trafficking and security crisis that already included a state of emergency and a curfew, highlighting a strategy aimed at restoring order and safeguarding public institutions.
The country has faced extraordinary turmoil after the head of its largest drug trafficking gang, alias Fito, reportedly disappeared from a prison unit guarded with intense vigilance and allegedly linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. The prison and related security failures have become a troubling pattern over the years. What stands out in recent days is the sight of hooded gunmen armed with rifles and grenades breaching a television studio. Footage shown on air captured a moment when a presenter pleaded for calm, while others in the room shielded themselves.
URGENT. Organized crime seized control of Ecuador’s Televisora TC de Guayaquil while broadcasting live. Journalists and crew members were abducted. Members of the Los Lobos gang were identified as responsible. pic.twitter.com/E7rLDUJtkT
— Agustín Antonetti (@agusantonetti) January 9, 2024
According to Ecuavisa, the attackers cut the studio lights and interrupted the signal. A broadcaster on site described the moment, noting that the attackers warned viewers that they were not playing with the mafia.
Police confirmed deployments of troops around the canal’s facilities in Guayaquil, with authorities noting that specialist units were on the ground to respond to the emergency. A presenter interviewed by reporters pleaded for safety to avoid a disaster.
In the wake of the breach, reports circulated about the kidnapping of three police officers in Machala and another officer in Quito. Law enforcement officials pledged that none of these actions would go unpunished, signaling a firm response to the unfolding crisis.
The crisis has spurred a cascade of prison-related scenarios where drug networks appear to operate from outside, taking control of urban areas with force. Communications Minister Roberto Izurieta acknowledged systemic shortcomings within the country’s prison system, calling for concrete, lasting solutions rather than momentary calm, as noted in national commentary.
I signed the decree declaring Internal Armed Conflict and named the following transnational organized crime groups as terrorist organizations and aggressive non-state actors: Águilas, ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller, … pic.twitter.com/rVfSTFmHlG
— Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) January 9, 2024
University classes are canceled
The University of Guayaquil suspended activities on an urgent Tuesday as videos circulated showing students fleeing facilities in the wake of gunmen taking control of the TC Television studio during a live broadcast.
Urgent!!! Chaos at the University of Guayaquil! Criminals attempted to break in and kidnap people pic.twitter.com/2wQxpdYCLO
— Emergencies (@EmergenciasEc) January 9, 2024
In light of the social unrest gripping the country, the university announced that all academic and administrative activities across its facilities would be suspended, with remote work systems implemented. Further details were not disclosed publicly, but other educational centers and several state institutions reacted with alarm to the Tuesday violence in Guayaquil.