GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador – Journalist Alina Manrique of TC Television network in Guayaquil, Ecuador, described a harrowing ordeal as an armed gang stormed the TV station’s set during a live news program. The armed men threatened the staff with explosives and gunfire, creating a tense and frightening situation for everyone involved.
The incident occurred amid a state of emergency declared by President Daniel Noboa, allowing the military to enter prisons to restore order following the escape of high-profile cartel leaders. This escape has led to an increase in violent incidents, from car bombs to police abductions, as rival gangs vie for control.
The masked intruders at TC Television station forced the staff to the ground at gunpoint, placing them in a vulnerable and terrifying position. Alina Manrique, the head of news at the station, expressed her fear of not being able to see her children again. This invasion was a bold and daring move by the gang, aiming to display their power and send a message to the country.
Despite the violence and chaos, no one was killed during the siege, and authorities managed to apprehend all the intruders, charging them with terrorism. Nevertheless, the city of Guayaquil continues to be plagued by explosions, shootings, and escalating violence, with the mayor reporting at least eight deaths.
In addition to the attack on the TV station, rival cartel leaders, including Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar and Fabricio Colon Pico, have escaped from high-security prisons, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement and the government. With these escalating security threats, President Noboa faces mounting pressure as the country grapples with a record high number of homicides.
The ongoing violence and lawlessness in Ecuador underscore the challenges faced by the government as it strives to regain control and ensure the safety of its citizens. Amid rising tensions and continued criminal activity, the nation remains on edge, seeking a resolution to the escalating security crisis.