All prison staff held by inmates in prisons across Ecuador were released following military operations to regain control over the weekend, prison agency SNAI confirmed.
Some 158 guards and 20 administrative staff were taken hostage in at least seven prisons last Monday as the country grapples with an escalating security crisis sparked by a new policy to combat the country's vicious drug gangs.
A guard reportedly died after a confrontation with inmates at a prison in El Oro province on Saturday. But in the evening, President Daniel Noboa publicly congratulated the SNAI, the police and the armed forces on the successful release of the prison staff.
Ecuador's police and military were seen trying to restore order in prisons today. Photos distributed showed shirtless prisoners on their knees and with their hands on their heads as soldiers fought for control.
The end of the hostage crisis is a significant victory for the 36-year-old president, who came to power this month with a series of innovative policy ideas thanks to a campaign to control drug gangs.
But tensions remain high as gangsters rebel against the new “state of emergency”, shops are closed and prisoners remain missing across the country.
Prisoners sit huddled together, guarded by police and armed forces, during an operation reportedly taking place at Turi Prison to regain control of the prison in Cuenca, Ecuador, reported as January 14, 2024
Handout image released by the Ecuadorian Armed Forces showing security forces guarding inmates after regaining control of Turi Prison in Cuenca on January 14
Ecuadorian soldiers stand guard next to prisoners lying in the yard after taking control of Cuenca Prison in Cuenca, Ecuador
Handout image released by the Ecuadorian Armed Forces showing security forces guarding prisoners after regaining control of a prison in Machala, Ecuador, on January 14
Soldiers and police forces regain control of the Turi prison in Cuenca on January 14
Weapons seized after security forces regained control of a prison in Machala this weekend
Security forces were still conducting searches and regaining control of prisons on Sunday, the military said after the initial announcement late Saturday.
Images shared by the Ecuadorian armed forces showed security personnel guarding prisoners at the Turi prison in Cuenca and at a prison in Machala on January 14.
“The national police respect the human rights of these people.” “We do this in a very calm manner,” said Norman Cano, police chief of Esmeraldas prison, on social media.
An investigation will now be launched to identify those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement.
However, a state of emergency continues to prevail in Ecuador following the escape of drug lord Adolfo Macías from Los Choneros on January 7th.
The escape came as President Noboa designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups and made them official military targets.
Mr. Noboa declared a state of emergency on January 8, imposing a nationwide curfew and ordering the military to take to the streets.
The gangs responded with a wave of nationwide violence, including the Jan. 9 seizure of a television news studio and attacks on a university.
In Riobamba, about 39 inmates escaped from a prison, but some were recaptured by authorities.
And videos circulating on social media showed gunmen burning Esmeralda's vehicles on the street on Tuesday.
The streets in Quito and Guayaquil were quiet on Wednesday morning and many shops were closed.
Schools were closed nationwide and classes took place virtually. Residents said it felt like a return to pandemic lockdowns.
“It's terrible, the streets are very empty,” said Guayaquil security guard Rodolfo Tuaz, 40. “It's a very cold environment, like there's a new COVID.”
Police have not yet provided full details of the events that led to the Jan. 8 hostage-takings in prisons across the country.
But the release of the hostages is a significant victory for the state, which has been criticized for years for its inability to deal with Ecuador's gang problem.
Authorities confirmed that police and armed forces continue to carry out operations across the country and the tide appears to be turning.
According to the government, more than 1,000 people have been arrested since the state of emergency began on Monday.
But Ecuador, which sits among the top cocaine producers, has a deep-rooted problem with violent gangs operating within its borders.
The security situation has also deteriorated since the pandemic, weakening the economy and reducing the number of legitimate employment opportunities.
According to government data, the number of violent deaths in Ecuador rose to 8,008 last year, almost doubling the number reported for 2022.
Prisoners lie shackled and tied with cable ties by police and armed forces during an operation said to have taken place in Turi prison to regain control of the prison, in Cuenca, January 14, 2024
Ecuadorian soldiers search a man during an operation to control and search for weapons and enforce the curfew in Quito, Ecuador, January 14, 2024
Ecuadorian soldiers conduct a search during a weapons control and search operation and curfew enforcement in Quito, Ecuador, Jan. 14, 2024
Security forces watch over inmates after regaining control of a prison in Machala, Ecuador, January 14, 2024
Ecuadorian forces stand guard next to inmates with their hands tied in the yard after taking control of Machala Prison in Machala, Ecuador, Jan. 14, 2024
Military personnel run in front of a prison as Ecuador's armed forces enter prisons nationwide to restore order, in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, Jan. 14, 2024
A member of the Coast Guard command sails along the Guayas River alongside port terminals during an anti-drug trafficking patrol in Guayaquil, Jan. 14, 2024
Since taking power this month, President Noboa has announced his renaissance “Phoenix Plan” for security in Ecuador.
Around 20,000 people have been included in his new designation as a terrorist group, he told the media on Wednesday.
His plan also includes a new intelligence unit, new tactical weapons for security forces, new high-security prisons and better security at ports.
The upgrades are expected to cost $800 million (£630 million). In 2022, Ecuador had an estimated GDP of $115 billion.
Noboa also plans to hold a referendum on future security issues and ask the public to vote on issues such as extradition of criminals.