1 of 3 police officers form a blockade line in Huaquillas, Ecuador, near the border with Peru on January 10, 2024 Photo: Ralph Zapata/Portal Police officers form a blockade line in Huaquillas, Ecuador, near the border with Peru January 10, 2024 Photo: Ralph Zapata/Portal
All prison staff taken hostage by prisoners in Ecuador were released on Saturday evening (13), reported the authority that manages the country's prisons (Snai).
According to reports gradually published by the agency, more than 170 people, including prison guards and administrative staff, were taken hostage.
The released employees were sent for medical examination, and Snai said appropriate investigations would begin to determine the causes and those responsible for the events in the prisons.
The releases were possible through security protocols and cooperation with the National Police and the armed forces, according to the statement published by the agency.
2 of 3 With his face covered, an armed man holds employees of TC state television in Ecuador hostage Photo: TC Televisión via AP With his face covered, an armed man holds employees of TC state television in Ecuador hostage Photo: TC Televisión via AP 3 of 3 Infographic shows where Ecuador is — Photo: g1 Infographic shows where Ecuador is — Photo: g1
And given the escalation of armed violence in the region, neighboring Colombia has also strengthened border security.
The country said it was investigating suspicions that “Fito” entered Colombian territory after escaping earlier this week.