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January 10, 2024

Ecuador in Turmoil as Drug Lord Escapes Prison, Armed Men Take Over Live Broadcast
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Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa on Tuesday declared "a state of
emergency" and "internal armed conflict" as drug trafficking violence
continues to soar. Noboa's announcement came a day after one of
Ecuador's most notorious drug lords escaped from prison, and as hooded
and armed men interrupted a live TV news broadcast, taking the staff
hostage. Noboa designated at least 20 drug trafficking organizations as
terrorist groups, authorizing Ecuador's military to do whatever it takes
to suppress the crime factions.

Adm. Jaime Vela: "From this moment, all terrorist groups identified in
the presidential decree is a military target. The present and the future
of our homeland is at stake. And any act of terror will make us give in.
We will not step back nor negotiate. Public good, justice and order
can't ask for permission or bow their head in front of terrorists."



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