With the occurrence of a number of violent incidents, on January 9, local time, Ecuador declared a state of "internal armed conflict". At the same time, Peru declared a state of emergency on its northern border with Ecuador, and the Chinese embassy also issued a notice saying that it was temporarily closed to the outside world. What happened to Ecuador, the "land of bananas"?
Dozens of violent incidents occurred in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Picture from Visual China.
Ecuador entered a state of "internal armed conflict".
On January 9, local time, in the face of the escalating violence in recent days, Noboa, Ecuador** signed an executive decree, declaring the country into a state of "internal armed conflict", identifying 22 organized crime groups as terrorist organizations and non-state belligerents, and ordering the armed forces to operate within the framework of international humanitarian law.
On January 8, local time, E**Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency across the country due to the recent frequent prison riots in China. It also ordered the tightening of prison control and the crackdown on organized crime groups, as well as the imposition of a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Armed men broke into an Ecuadorian television station and abducted staff. Picture from Visual China.
Violence in many places has killed at least 10 people
On January 9, local time, militants caused violence in many places in Ecuador, and a large number of military and police forces were deployed to search for militants and maintain law and order. In the municipality of Nobor, in the department of Guayas, two policemen were killed by militants during the operation. So far, at least 10 people have died in Ecuador as a result of violent clashes on the 9th.
According to local ** reports, on the afternoon of the 9th, unidentified militants staged a series of violent incidents in several public places in Guayaquil, including breaking into a television station and five hospitals and taking multiple hostages.
The mayor of Guayaquil issued a municipal report stating that 29 establishments have been attacked and 2 cars have been burned in the city. As a result of the violence, public transport in Guayaquil was completely paralyzed, and some citizens were trapped on the streets.
On January 9, local time, Ecuador** confirmed that seven police officers in the capital Quito, the central city of Los Ríos and the southwestern coastal city of Machala were kidnapped by unknown persons on duty. At present, Ecuador** has launched a search and rescue operation for the abductees.
Police presence has been increased to hunt down militants, maintain order, and strengthen control and security at Guayaquil airport. At present, 14 suspects have been arrested.
On January 9, local time, in Guayaquil City, southwest Ecuador, the gunman broke into the TC TV building during the live broadcast, and security forces rushed to the scene. Picture from Visual China.
Peru has declared a state of emergency on its northern border with Ecuador
The chairman of the Peruvian Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Otarola announced on the 9th that a state of emergency will be imposed in all provinces on the northern border adjacent to Ecuador.
Speaking at a press conference on the same day, Otarola said that Boluarte asked the Minister of Defense and the Minister of the Interior to immediately go to the border with Ecuador to deploy security measures. On the same day, the Peruvian Ministry of the Interior ordered the Special Operations Directorate of the National Police to send police forces to the northern border region to strengthen security.
Peru issued a statement on the 9th condemning the violence in Ecuador. Peru stands in solidarity with Ecuador** and hopes that peace and tranquility will be restored to Ecuador as soon as possible, the statement said.
On January 9, local time, Ecuador** took safety measures on the road. Picture from Visual China.
Chinese Embassy: Temporary closure of the Chinese Embassy
On January 9, local time, the Chinese Embassy in Ecuador and the Consulate General in Guayaquil issued a notice stating that the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Ecuador will be temporarily closed from January 10 (Wednesday) until further notice.
What kind of country is Ecuador?
The Republic of Ecuador is located in the northwestern part of South America, also known as the "country of the equator" and "the country of bananas", adjacent to Colombia to the north, Peru to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with the capital of Quito. As of 2022, Ecuador has a total population of 169380 thousand. Minerals are mainly petroleum, but also gold, silver, copper, iron, lead and other minerals are also distributed.
Ecuador is a relatively backward country in South America, with a weak industrial base and slow agricultural development, and the oil industry is the largest economic pillar of Ecuador.
*: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, Chinese Embassy in Ecuador**.
Editor: Da Chen.