Ecuador in 'Internal Armed Conflict' as Violence Escalates

President Noboa orders military action against 22 gangs amid ongoing chaos, with over 300 arrests and 22,000 troops deployed on the streets.

Ecuador is in a state of 'internal armed conflict' as President Daniel Noboa orders military action against 22 gangs, now designated as terrorist organizations.
Over 300 people have been arrested in the crackdown, with more than 22,000 troops deployed on the streets.
The violence escalated following anti-corruption raids implicating judges and prison officials in abetting drug gangs, and the escape of a powerful gang boss from prison.
Despite the crackdown, daily violence continues, with attacks on prisons, civilian infrastructure, and public broadcasts.
Ecuador's crisis is linked to its role as a major cocaine export hub, attracting Mexican cartels and crime syndicates, including the Albanian mafia.