In a dramatic turn of events, an armed gang forcefully interrupted a live broadcast at the TC television station in Ecuador, as the country grapples with a state of emergency declared by President Daniel Noboa. The incident unfolded after the mysterious disappearance of a powerful gang leader from prison, prompting the president to designate 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and declare an “internal armed conflict.”
During the live broadcast, individuals clad in balaclavas and dressed predominantly in black brandished large guns, compelling station staff to lie and sit on the floor. Shots and yelling filled the air as the invaders gestured at the camera, creating a tense atmosphere that eventually led to the interruption of the broadcast on Tuesday. The fate of station personnel remains unclear, with no information available on injuries.
Ecuador Armed Gang Storms Studio Amid State of Emergency
Images captured from another channel showcased a heavy police presence outside TC’s studios in Guayaquil, a coastal city that has witnessed a surge in violence over recent years, primarily due to increased narcotrafficking activities. The assailants, with their faces concealed, appeared to be coordinated in their attack, emphasizing the escalating security challenges faced by the once relatively peaceful South American nation.
Alina Manrique, the head of news for TC Television, recounted the harrowing experience of having a gun pointed at her during the incident. “I am still in shock,” she told The Associated Press, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As Ecuador grapples with this alarming development, President Noboa’s declaration of an “internal armed conflict” and the classification of 22 gangs as terrorist organizations reflect the severity of the security crisis. The events unfold against the backdrop of heightened violence in Guayaquil, raising concerns about the safety and stability of the nation in the face of organized criminal activities.
