Ecuador Declares ‘Internal Armed Conflict’ After Masked Gunmen Stormed TV Studio To Seize Control

Ecuador has declared an “internal armed conflict” following a series of violent incidents, including an attempt by masked gunmen to seize control of a state-owned TV station.

On Tuesday night, masked gunmen broke into public television channel TC’s live studio during a broadcast, forcing staff to the floor.

Armed police successfully regained control of the TV station after the assailants threatened to shoot presenters live on air.

Hostages were freed, and the perpetrators are set to face legal consequences for their actions, according to police statements on social media.

“All hostages were freed … the perpetrators will confront justice and be sentenced for terrorist acts,” the police said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In response to the escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa has directed the army to “neutralize” 20 drug gangs known for heavily armed members parading hostages and making threats to execute individuals found on the streets at night.

The country has witnessed at least 10 fatalities, with seven police officers kidnapped and several reported explosions.

President Noboa, who assumed office in November, declared a 60-day state of emergency on Monday in response to prison violence, including hostage-takings by inmates and the apparent escape of Los Choneros gang leader Adolfo Macias.

In a revised decree on Tuesday, Noboa identified nearly two dozen gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups within the “internal armed conflict.”

KanyiDaily had also reported how about 110 inmates were killed, including at least six that had been beheaded and 80 others that were wounded during a war between two gangs in Ecuador prison.