The President of Ecuador introduced a regime of armed conflict

Ecuadorian President Noboa introduced a regime of armed conflict in the country

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the introduction of an internal armed conflict in the country after a series of attacks and hostage-taking in the building of the TC Televisión television company in Guayaquil. The decree, signed on January 8, acknowledges the internal conflict and designates 22 criminal groups as terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors. The military is tasked with neutralizing members of these groups.

Noboa said the government will not negotiate with narco-terrorist groups that are trying to intimidate the government. Police reported several attacks on Jan. 9, including attacks on department officers and patrol cars using explosives.

On the evening of the same day, a group of armed men broke into the building of the TC Televisión television company in Guayaquil and took hostage the TV presenters in the studio, as well as other employees. Later, the police detained some of the attackers. Noboa ordered the mobilization and intervention of the Armed Forces and the National Police to guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ecuador and counter the activities of criminal and terrorist groups.