Armed men raid TV studio amidst rising violence in Ecuador
OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:44 AM – Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Masked and armed men stormed a television studio in Ecuador during a live broadcast, creating a gripping scene amidst the country’s escalating crime and violence.
On Tuesday, a group of masked men forcefully entered a public TV studio during a scheduled broadcast, brandishing firearms and explosives, and even holding the employees hostage.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the attack, and all 13 gunmen have been apprehended and charged with domestic terrorism, according to Ecuadorian authorities.
Alina Manrique, the head of news for TC Television, was present near the incident and described how the masked men forcefully entered the building while she was in the media control room. She recounted how one of the men held her at gunpoint, ordering her to the ground.
The shocking incident unfolded live on air, but the station’s signal was lost after approximately fifteen minutes. Manrique revealed that some of the attackers fled and attempted to hide when they realized the police were closing in.
In response to the brazen attack, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency, citing an “internal armed conflict.”
Noboa’s decree designated over twenty gangs as terrorist organizations, including Los Choneros. Government officials attribute the surge in violence to Noboa’s proposal to construct a high-security prison for gang leaders.
Admiral Jaime Vela, the Head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, stated, ”They have created a wave of violence to frighten the populace,” emphasizing that the decree makes the gangs military targets.
This recent incident follows the prison escapes of two prominent gang leaders. Ecuadorian officials announced that Fabricio Colón Pico, the leader of the Los Lobos gang, had escaped from a Riobamba jail.
In another region of Ecuador, at least seven police officers were reportedly kidnapped and surrounded by explosives.
A man named Colón Pico, who was arrested in connection with a kidnapping investigation, is also suspected of attempting to assassinate a top prosecutor in the country.
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How are the recent events in Ecuador emphasizing the need for increased security measures and comprehensive plans against organized crime
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The attack on the television studio has brought to light the increasing crime and violence that has plagued Ecuador in recent years. The country has seen a rise in gang-related activities, including kidnappings, assassinations, and prison escapes.
The incident at TC Television highlights the boldness and audacity of these criminal organizations. Armed and masked men stormed the studio, holding employees hostage and causing panic among the staff and viewers. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and all gunmen have been apprehended and charged with domestic terrorism.
The head of news for TC Television, Alina Manrique, witnessed the attack firsthand and described the harrowing experience. She recounted how she was held at gunpoint and ordered to the ground by one of the assailants. The attack was broadcasted live on air, but the station’s signal was lost after a short period of time.
In response to the attack, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency and designated over twenty gangs as terrorist organizations. This move aims to combat the increasing violence and protect the safety of citizens. Many officials attribute the surge in violence to Noboa’s proposal to construct a high-security prison for gang leaders. The gangs have reportedly initiated a wave of violence to oppose this measure.
The incident at TC Television follows the escape of two prominent gang leaders from prison. Fabricio Colón Pico, the leader of the Los Lobos gang, escaped from a jail in Riobamba. In another region, seven police officers were kidnapped by unknown assailants.
These events highlight the urgent need for increased security measures and a comprehensive plan to tackle organized crime in Ecuador. Admiral Jaime Vela, the Head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, emphasized that the declaration of the gangs as military targets is a necessary step in addressing the violence.
The situation in Ecuador remains tense, and the government must take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges posed by criminal organizations, it is crucial that efforts are made to dismantle these gangs and restore peace and security to the nation.
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