Ecuador in chaos after drug lord escapes from prison

A wave of unrest and gang violence has swept through Ecuador following the prison break of a notorious drug lord. ‘Fito’ (real name Adolfo Macías) was reported missing from his cell on Sunday, prompting a huge manhunt involving thousands of police officers and army personnel, while several prison guards have been accused of assisting Fito’s escape. In the wake of Sunday’s events, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency, including curfews and martial law. However, this has done little to quell the unrest, with Ecuador rapidly spiraling into civil war. An armed gang stormed a live TV broadcast to take hostages, while police officers and many civilians have also been taken hostage around the country. Several explosions have been reported, thought to be caused by deliberate attacks on police and military targets. Copycat prison breaks have been attempted at other jails leading to the escape of rival gang leader Fabricio Colón on Monday, and inmates of at least 5 prisons are thought to be holding hostages. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freedom over censorship, truth over narrative. Follow us on Facebook: Follow us on Telegram: Follow us on X: