Ecuador experienced a series of violent crimes, including an on-air takeover of a TV station by gunmen, as President Daniel Noboa designated 22 gangs as terrorist organizations and military targets.
Police apprehended 13 gunmen who took over television station TC during a live broadcast, while at least seven police officers were kidnapped, and other explosions occurred throughout the country.
For around 20 minutes, guys wearing balaclavas and primarily clad in black held weapons and assaulted staffers huddled on the floor at TC's studio in Guayaquil.
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On the live feed, gunshots and yelling could be heard, and several of the invaders gestured at the camera. Someone was heard saying, "No police!"
TC, which transmits nationally, shares a facility with Gamavision, another public broadcaster, and several radio stations.
The attackers invaded Gamavision's reception area, attacking staff and leaving explosives behind, TC news coordinator and reporter Leonardo Flores Moreno told Reuters earlier on Tuesday, while the effort to reclaim the station was still in progress.
Police said their operation resulted in the seizure of explosives and firearms, and police social media images showed young males kneeling on the floor with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
"All hostages were freed ... the perpetrators will confront justice and be sentenced for terrorist acts," a police statement read.
The channel was back on the air for its evening newscast, with anchors reporting that the attorney general's office was on the scene gathering evidence. According to the channel, two employees were harmed.
Noboa issued a 60-day state of emergency on Monday in reaction to prison violence, including hostage-takings of guards by convicts and the apparent escape of Los Choneros gang boss Adolfo Macias over the weekend.
Noboa acknowledged an "internal armed conflict" and designated almost two dozen gangs as terrorist organizations in an amended decree issued on Tuesday.
According to the authorities, the violence is in response to Noboa's intention to establish a new high-security prison and transfer convicted gang leaders.
"Today's events demonstrate that the national government's actions and decisions are severely affecting criminal structures, and as a result, they have created a wave of violence to frighten the populace," Admiral Jaime Vela, head of the joint command of the armed forces, said following a security meeting with Noboa and other officials.
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