Ecuador's Battle Against Transnational Drug Cartels: A State of War
TL;DR
Ecuador is in a "state of war" as drug cartels launch a terror campaign in response to a government crackdown, with hundreds of soldiers patrolling the capital, Quito, and a surge in violence including kidnappings, prison riots, and attacks. President Daniel Noboa imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew after the escape of a powerful narco boss, prompting the gangs to declare "war" and threaten random executions. The situation has prompted international alarm, with Peru declaring a state of emergency on its border with Ecuador, and countries like China, France, and Russia advising against travel to the country.
Topics:worldcrime-international-relations#crime-international-relations#drug-cartels#ecuador#government-crackdown#state-of-war#violence
- Ecuador ‘in state of war’ against drug cartels’ terror campaign Al Jazeera English
- How Ecuador descended into gang violence BBC.com
- Ecuador Shaken by Days of Terror After Gang Leader’s Disappearance The New York Times
- Vantage | How crime lords came to dominate Ecuador and why it matters Firstpost
- The Guardian view on Ecuador’s gang violence: a domestic crisis with transnational roots The Guardian
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Read on Al Jazeera English