Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared his country "at war" against drug gangs after they took over 130 prison guards and staff hostage and briefly seized a TV station during a live broadcast, according to Al Jazeera.

Noboa announced a state of emergency following the escape of Adolfo Macias, the leader of one of the most notorious Ecuador criminal gangs, Los Choneros, triggering an increase in violence.

"We are at war, and we cannot cede in the face of these terrorist groups," Noboa stated on Canela Radio. He gave orders to "neutralize" criminal gangs after an attack on a TV studio, branding 22 gangs as "terrorist" organizations.

The government attributes the violence to Noboa's plan to build high-security prisons for gang leaders.

President Daniel Noboa, addressing the nation on Tuesday, named the gangs the official military targets and vowed to recover all hostages.

"We are doing everything possible and the impossible to get them back safe and sound," he said.

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Deportations and International Concerns Amid Rising Tensions

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa announced on Wednesday that Ecuador would begin deporting foreign prisoners, especially Colombians, to alleviate overcrowded prisons, per BBC.

Vice Minister Esteban Torres Cobo acknowledged the severity of the situation, anticipating potential casualties in the government's war on Ecuador criminal gangs.

"It's going to be bloody, but this is the change we need for a better future," Cobo said.

The Ecuador president emphasized that the government would not negotiate with gang leaders seeking mediation.

The escalating crisis has drawn international concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing alarm over the deteriorating situation and the White House condemning the attacks.

Police have made 70 arrests since Monday, responding to various incidents, including the storming of the TV station.

The streets in major cities like Guayaquil and Quito remain largely empty, reminiscent of pandemic lockdowns. Heavy military presence, including tanks, patrols the streets, and schools continue online lessons.

Ecuador's Struggle Against Drug Gangs and Rising Violence

Ecuador, known for exporting oil, shrimp, bananas, and coffee globally, finds itself grappling with a surge in violence linked to drug gangs vying for control of key cocaine routes.

Situated between Colombia and Peru, the two largest cocaine producers globally, Ecuador faces challenges to its historically peaceful status.

Last year, violent deaths in Ecuador reached 8,008, almost double the figure from 2022, CNBC noted.

The US Embassy in Ecuador monitors reports of criminal activity and threats, emphasizing the safety of US citizens.

In response to the violence, Peru declared an emergency along its northern border with Ecuador.

As Ecuador confronts these challenges, President Noboa's aggressive stance and the nation's commitment to combating drug-related violence are met with both internal and international scrutiny.

The region remains on high alert as efforts are underway to restore order and address the root causes of the escalating crisis.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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