Ecuador’s Prisons Reclaimed: Government Forces Liberate Hostages and Crush Gangs in Daring Operation

Ecuador’s security forces launched a daring operation to reclaim control of several prisons that had fallen into the clutches of powerful narco gangs. The country’s security crisis reached a boiling point after the audacious escape of notorious drug lord Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as “Fito,” from Guayaquil prison. The government and the gangs declared an all-out war, plunging Ecuador into a state of chaos and fear.

As the violence escalated, inmates in gang-controlled prisons rioted, taking prison guards and administrative workers hostage. The streets became a battleground, with a wave of brutal murders and attacks leaving the population terrified. Unverified images circulating on social media showcased the horrors of looting and violence, further fueling the sense of dread.

However, hope emerged on the horizon as Ecuador’s security forces launched a counteroffensive. On Sunday, the army shared jaw-dropping videos of prison walls being blown up, symbolizing the reclaiming of control. General Pablo Velasco declared “total control” of a prison in the city of Cuenca, where 61 employees had been held hostage. Images of hundreds of subdued inmates, shirtless and barefoot, lying on the ground at various prisons, showcased the might of the government’s operation.

The heroic efforts of the armed forces, national police, and the SNAI (National Agency for Prison Administration) resulted in the release of 201 prison guards and administrative officials from prisons across seven provinces. President Daniel Noboa took to social media to celebrate the successful operation, commending the patriotic, professional, and courageous work of the security forces.

Videos broadcast by the police captured the emotional moment when the guards, many in tears, were freed and supported by their colleagues. One prison employee, waving the Ecuadoran flag, expressed gratitude for their safe release. The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief as the hostages were reunited with their loved ones.

Ecuador’s descent into this security crisis can be traced back to the expansion of transnational cartels, which have used the country’s ports to traffic drugs to the United States and Europe. The escape of “Fito,” the leader of the notorious gang “Los Choneros,” triggered the current turmoil. President Noboa declared a state of emergency and curfew, infuriating the gangs who retaliated by declaring “war” against civilians and security forces. In response, Noboa declared the country to be “in a state of war” against 22 gangs and deployed over 22,000 security forces to restore order.

The operation has already yielded significant results, with over 1,300 arrests, the neutralization of eight “terrorists,” and the recapture of 27 escaped prisoners. Tragically, two police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. Undeterred, President Noboa remains resolute in his determination to eradicate the criminal groups responsible for the chaos.

Ecuador’s prisons have long served as criminal headquarters for narco gangs, where they manage drug trafficking, order assassinations, and administer the proceeds of their illicit activities. The brutal clashes between rival gangs within the prison walls have claimed the lives of over 460 inmates since February 2021, with gruesome beheadings and burnings becoming all too common.

The alarming rise in Ecuador’s murder rate, quadrupling between 2018 and 2022, has underscored the urgent need for action. Last year alone, the country witnessed 7,800 murders and a record-breaking seizure of 220 tons of drugs. President Noboa has announced plans to construct two “super maximum” security prisons with a capacity for over 3,000 inmates. Additionally, proposals for “prison ships” are being considered as part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to combat organized crime.

As Ecuador begins to recover from this harrowing ordeal, the nation stands united in its determination to restore peace and security. The heroic efforts of the security forces have dealt a significant blow to the narco gangs, but the battle is far from over. Ecuador’s resilience and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly prevail as they continue to fight for a safer future.