:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/XRWE7NGV3RGL7P6OGJF5PMSA4Y.jpg "Ecuador registered more than 5,600 detainees in 26 days of its war against criminal gangs")
Ecuador celebrates its 26th day of fighting against criminal gangs in the country with a balance of more than 5,600 detainees. Under the orders of President Daniel Noboa, who decreed an “internal armed conflict” and asked the security forces to take measures to restore order, some 68,707 successful operations have already been carried out.
In these operations, thousands of criminals were reduced, including 237 who were accused of alleged terrorism after their links with one of the 22 gangs that were declared non-state belligerent actors were confirmed. Additionally, 1,864 firearms, 2,628 knives, 1,020 weapons feeders, more than 93,000 bullets, and nearly 10,000 explosives were seized, all ready to be used in attacks on public roads. More than 41.7 tons of drugs and more than $117,000 in cash were also seized.
The Ecuadorian authorities reported that these raids prevented more than 26 attacks and acts of terror, including thirteen on public and private infrastructure, and an equivalent number on police establishments. The operations also resulted in the detention of three Colombians found inside a submersible loaded with drugs, as well as the seizure of 28 boats.
The security crisis in Ecuador reached its peak in early January when two criminal leaders, Fabricio Colón Pico and José “Fito” Adolfo Macías, escaped from prison, sparking a new wave of violence in the country. In response, President Noboa ordered the Police to go all out to restore order and appealed to countries like the United States for support and assistance.
The U.S. has since expressed its support and remains available to aid Ecuador in its fight against criminal gangs. This includes the establishment of a five-year security plan and the creation of a bilateral defense working group to conduct exchanges between the Pentagon and Ecuador.
The balance released by Ecuadorian authorities also reported that two police officers were murdered in the last 26 days and another 11 were released after being kidnapped by these terrorists. The ongoing fight against criminal gangs remains a priority for the government as it seeks to restore peace and order in the country.