Ecuador deems drug gangs ‘terrorist groups’ after live TV attack

The nation plunged into turmoil following the escape of Adolfo Macías, the infamous gang leader and drug lord, from prison on Sunday. In response to escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa issued a revised decree on Tuesday, designating 20 drug gangs as terrorist groups and granting military authorization to “neutralize” them within international humanitarian law.

Originally scheduled for transfer to a maximum security facility on the same day, Macías remains at large. President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on Monday, reacting to a series of attacks within and outside prisons resulting in the deaths of police officers and prison guards.

Tuesday witnessed a series of violent incidents, including a live TV broadcast intrusion by masked individuals wielding guns and explosives. This prompted the president to amend his initial decree, acknowledging an “internal armed conflict” and classifying the gangs as terrorist organizations.

The televised takeover of the studio lasted over 15 minutes, and subsequently, all 13 masked intruders were apprehended by authorities. They now face terrorism charges, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 13 years.

Ecuador, once regarded as relatively peaceful, has experienced a surge in violence in recent years. President Noboa, who assumed office in November, has pledged to curb drug trade-related violence, expressing his commitment on Instagram to restore peace for all Ecuadorians.