Dozens arrested in Ecuador after Hospital Assault

Dozens arrested in Ecuador

Police in violence-plagued Ecuador arrested 68 people Sunday who had attempted to take over a hospital in the country's southwest in the midst of a "war" between drug gangs and the security forces.

The arrests occurred amid a "war" between drug gangs and law enforcement, prompting an emergency meeting with neighboring Andean nations (Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia) to establish a new security network. The police announced the apprehension of alleged terrorists who sought to seize a hospital in Yaguachi, Guayas, aiming to rescue an injured colleague.

Firearms and drugs were confiscated during the operation. Additionally, a "rehabilitation center" functioning as a gang command center and brothel was raided.

Ecuador, once considered a peaceful haven, is now grappling with a crisis fueled by transnational cartels using its ports for drug trafficking. President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency and a "war" against gangs following recent violence triggered by the escape of drug kingpin Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito."

The drug cartels responded with threats, including the hostage-taking of police and prison officials, prompting heightened tensions in the country, which houses around 20 criminal groups with an estimated membership exceeding 20,000 in a population of 17 million.

Source: Al Jazeera Media Network