00:00 As if one Hiti wasn't enough to spur tensions in Latin America, now Ecuador has started
00:13 to fall into the hands of drug cartels.
00:16 The nation is currently embroiled in a severe security crisis, with President Daniel Nuboa
00:20 characterizing the situation as the country being at war with the drug cartels.
00:26 The recent surge in violence has resulted in hostage situations, explosions and even
00:30 dramatic takeover of a television station.
00:34 The crisis prompted President Nuboa to name 22 gangs as terrorist organizations, designating
00:39 them as official military targets.
00:42 This move follows his November pledge to address the escalating security problem arising from
00:46 drug trafficking gangs transporting cocaine through Ecuador.
00:51 The officials estimate that around 20,000 members of these crime gangs are currently
00:55 active in Ecuador, and the hostage crisis currently involves more than 130 prison guards
01:00 and staff abducted by gangs, prompting Nuboa to declare a 60-day state of emergency.
01:06 In addition to the hostage situation, there were also explosions across the country and
01:10 the takeover of a TV station by masked gunmen during a live broadcast.
01:15 And so, the efforts are underway to rescue the prison hostages, and the state of emergency
01:20 has resulted in the arrest of at least 329 individuals, mostly affiliated with gangs
01:25 such as Los Conarros, Los Lobos and Los Trigueronos.
01:30 Despite videos circulating on social media depicting extreme violence against hostages,
01:34 authorities assert that no hostage has been killed, emphasizing the need for caution regarding
01:39 the authenticity of such materials.
01:42 The root cause of the current wave of violence is attributed to Nuboa's plan to construct
01:46 a new high-security prison for gang leaders, a move which has been met with resistance
01:51 from these criminal organizations.
01:54 And so, to address the crisis, Nuboa has announced the initiation of deportation of foreign prisoners,
02:00 particularly Colombians, in an effort to reduce prisoner population and spending.
02:06 Approximately 1,500 Colombians are currently incarcerated in Ecuador, accounting for a
02:10 significant portion of the foreign prisoners.
02:13 The severity of the situation has prompted heightened security measures, with the president
02:17 dispatching security forces to protect key sectors such as ports, oil and mining.
02:22 However, this has also resulted in temporary closure of some embassies and consulates in
02:26 Ecuador, raising concerns about the major investors.
02:30 The crisis presents a significant challenge for Nuboa, requiring a multifaceted strategy
02:34 to address the immediate concerns while laying the groundwork for lasting improvements in
02:39 crime reduction and overall stability.
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