In a dramatic turn of events, inmates in six Ecuadorian prisons have successfully released 50 guards and seven police officers they had taken hostage, as reported by the prison service (SNAI). Fortunately, the 57 freed hostages are currently undergoing medical evaluation and seem to be in good health, according to SNAI sources.
These incidents of kidnapping were orchestrated by criminal gangs, expressing their anger at government efforts to curb their influence. The situation escalated further with two car bombs detonated near police buildings in the capital city of Quito, which authorities have also attributed to these gangs.
Authorities suspect that at least one of these incidents might be retaliation for a recent police search for weapons at Cotopaxi jail, one of the nation’s largest penitentiaries, located approximately 55 miles (88km) south of Quito. The extensive search operation, carried out by hundreds of police officers and soldiers, aimed to quell escalating violence within the prison.
Normal activities have been restored in the six prison facilities, including a young offenders unit that had been severely damaged in an arson attack. However, officials have not disclosed the details surrounding the release of the officers.
President Guillermo Lasso addressed the situation, stating, “The measures we have taken, especially in the prison system, have generated violent reactions from criminal organizations that seek to intimidate the state.” He conveyed these remarks on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night.
Ecuador currently faces rising violence linked to drug-trafficking gangs, placing immense strain on its under-resourced and overcrowded prison system. In recent years, hundreds of inmates have lost their lives in deadly confrontations within these facilities.
Notably, Ecuador’s prisons have become centers of power for those involved in drug offenses, as well as control hubs for various cartels and gangs. When inmates disagree with governmental actions, they often express their discontent through violence and riots.
These events unfold against the backdrop of Ecuador’s upcoming presidential elections, which have been marred by violence and the assassination of a candidate. Leading presidential candidate Luisa Gonzalez has announced her intention to campaign while wearing a bulletproof vest and has accepted the government’s offer of military protection.
In a related incident, criminal gangs detonated explosive devices on a bridge in the coastal province of El Oro on Friday.
Ecuador continues to grapple with a complex web of challenges, ranging from criminal violence to political unrest, as it approaches its critical election season.
