The Lula government (PT) stated on Tuesday 9th, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that it is following with concern the public security crisis in Ecuador.
Itamaraty also condemned “the violent actions of organized criminal groups in several cities” and “expressed solidarity with the Ecuadorian government and people in light of the attacks.”
According to the statement, the government is paying particular attention to the situation of Brazilians living in Ecuador.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Daniel Noboa declared the state of “internal armed conflict” in the country and ordered the military to “neutralize” gangs that were increasing their attacks. He classified around 20 criminal groups as “terrorist organizations and belligerent nonstate actors”.
The decree was published shortly after armed and masked men raided the TC Televisión station in Guayaquil while journalists were broadcasting a live news program. The dramatic situation lasted at least 30 minutes until the police intervened.
After escaping from prison, Ecuador has been experiencing moments of horror for two days Adolfo Maciasknown as Fito, leader of the largest gang in the country known as Los Choneros.