President Daniel Noboa has declared an "internal armed conflict" in response to a surge in violence in Ecuador. Masked assailants recently infiltrated the TC Television studio, compelling news staff to lie down during a live broadcast. In an effort to address the situation, President Noboa convened a security Cabinet meeting. The Armed Forces Joint Command attributes these attacks to the government's intensified crackdown on criminal gangs. Admiral Jaime Vela has characterized the violence as "unprecedented" in Ecuador's history. In light of the escape of gang leader "Fito," President Noboa has declared a state of emergency. Additionally, authorities have labeled 20 drug trafficking gangs as terrorist groups, granting the military enhanced powers for intervention. The wave of violence has seen over 30 reported attacks since the escape of the Los Choneros gang from prison.
