Armed gunmen storm onto live TV set in Ecuador day after declaring state of emergency
Date
1/10/2024 4:43:40 AM
(MENAFN) Armed individuals wearing balaclavas stormed onto a live TV set in Ecuador just a day after the country's president declared a state of emergency. This move came in response to the escape of one of the nation's most notorious drug gang leaders from prison.
Live television footage on Tuesday captured the intrusion into Ecuador's Television station in Guayaquil, with people brandishing guns and instructing staff to lie down on the floor.
The intruders, some claiming to have "bombs," created an atmosphere of chaos, accompanied by sounds resembling gunshots. Certain individuals gestured at the camera, emphasizing a demand of "no police" before the broadcast feed was eventually cut.
In response to the incident, Ecuador's national police deployed specialized units to the television station, and footage was released showing armed officers surrounding the building.
Subsequently, Ecuador's attorney general's office reported the arrest of 13 individuals involved in the break-in, announcing plans to charge them with terrorism offenses. If convicted, this charge carries a penalty of up to 13 years in prison under Ecuadorian law.
National police commander Cesar Zapata revealed that officers had confiscated firearms and explosives during the operation.
Leader Daniel Noboa acknowledged an "internal armed conflict" and designated nearly two dozen gangs as terrorist groups, designating them as military targets.
In a related development, Peru's government declared an emergency along its northern border with Ecuador and swiftly deployed additional police forces to enhance security measures.
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