/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/4EZHGO25FRHGXLU2MBT7MEPRSM.jpg "4,107 detainees and 90 operations against terrorist groups, in 18 days of Plan Fénix | Security | News")
The Ministry of Defense in Ecuador has announced that a total of 49,761 operations were carried out in just 18 days as part of Plan Fénix. These operations led to the detention of 4,107 individuals and resulted in 90 operations against terrorist groups. The announcement was made on Saturday, January 27th.
The state of war declared by President Daniel Noboa on January 9th, following organized group attacks such as the armed raid on TC Televisión, has had a significant impact on public safety. The declaration identified 22 gangs as terrorist groups, and led to increased police and military operations nationwide, particularly in areas with high crime rates.
As a result of the heightened security measures, areas such as Guayaquil, Durán, and Samborondón have reported a 90% reduction in murders. The Ministry of Defense also reported that 6 terrorists were killed, 2 police officers died in the line of duty, and 11 police officers were released during this period.
In addition to the detainments and operations, authorities have seized 1,383 firearms, 1,656 knives, and 956 explosives. Furthermore, 831 vehicles have been recovered during the crackdown. This aggressive approach to public safety has also resulted in the death of an alleged criminal during a pursuit on Las Aguas Avenue in north Guayaquil.
The Ministry of Defense’s report on the success of Plan Fénix has sparked a renewed sense of security and optimism among Ecuadorian citizens, as they begin to see real results from the government’s efforts to combat crime and terrorism.