Ecuador on Sunday (Mar 24) was shaken by tragedy as Brigitte Garcia, the youngest mayor in the country, was found shot dead along with her communications director, Jairo Loor, inside a car early on Sunday.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Police reported that 27-year-old Garcia, the mayor of San Vicente and Loor, had suffered gunshot wounds. The incident occurred in the province of Manabi.

The tragedy comes amidst a wave of violence linked to drug trafficking.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-raises-terror-alert-warning-to-highest-level-after-moscow-concert-attack-703916">France raises terror alert warning to highest level after Moscow concert attack</a>

Garcia, a nurse by profession, had made history by becoming the youngest mayor in Ecuador. A member of former President Rafael Correa's Citizen Revolution Movement party, she was elected with 35 per cent of the votes in the 2023 sectional elections.

While authorities are still investigating the death, it was revealed on Sunday that the gunfire came from within the rented vehicle.&nbsp;

Police are currently tracking the car's GPS system for further leads.

<h2>An assassination?</h2>

Luisa Gonzalez, the party's presidential candidate in recent elections, described Garcia's killing as an assassination on the social media platform X.

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"I've just found out they've assassinated our fellow mayor of San Vicente Brigitte Garcia," said Gonzalez, adding, "I have no words. In shock, nobody is safe in Ecuador, NOBODY."

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Por favor hay que denunciar esta cuenta. 
No se puede ser tan MISERABLES y jugar con el nombre y honor de una chica sencilla, humilde que hoy enluta a Manabí en medio del dolor irreparable de su familia. <a href="https://t.co/hnlq93mgvC">https://t.co/hnlq93mgvC</a>
— Luisa González (@LuisaGonzalezEc) <a href="https://twitter.com/LuisaGonzalezEc/status/1771957663162667441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Garcia's tragic death follows a pattern of violence against political figures in Ecuador. Last August, presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, just two weeks before the election. As per Reuters, Villavicencio was known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and organised crime.

In response to the escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in January. This move came after armed men invaded a TV station during a live broadcast. Noboa also classified 22 criminal groups as terrorist organisations.

The state of emergency was extended earlier this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador on Sunday (Mar 24) was shaken by tragedy as Brigitte Garcia, the youngest mayor in the country, was found shot dead along with her communications director, Jairo Loor, inside a car early on Sunday.

Ecuador on Sunday (Mar 24) was shaken by tragedy as Brigitte Garcia, the youngest mayor in the country, was found shot dead along with her communications director, Jairo Loor, inside a car early on Sunday. What happened? Police reported that 27-year-old Garcia, the mayor of San Vicente and Loor, had suffered gunshot wounds. The incident occurred in the province of Manabi. The tragedy comes amidst a wave of violence linked to drug trafficking. Also read | France raises terror alert warning to highest level after Moscow concert attack Garcia, a nurse by profession, had made history by becoming the youngest mayor in Ecuador. A member of former President Rafael Correa's Citizen Revolution Movement party, she was elected with 35 per cent of the votes in the 2023 sectional elections. While authorities are still investigating the death, it was revealed on Sunday that the gunfire came from within the rented vehicle. Police are currently tracking the car's GPS system for further leads. An assassination? Luisa Gonzalez, the party's presidential candidate in recent elections, described Garcia's killing as an assassination on the social media platform X. Also read | Brazil police arrest three suspects in 2018 murder of Rio council member "I've just found out they've assassinated our fellow mayor of San Vicente Brigitte Garcia," said Gonzalez, adding, "I have no words. In shock, nobody is safe in Ecuador, NOBODY." Por favor hay que denunciar esta cuenta. No se puede ser tan MISERABLES y jugar con el nombre y honor de una chica sencilla, humilde que hoy enluta a Manabí en medio del dolor irreparable de su familia. https://t.co/hnlq93mgvC — Luisa González (@LuisaGonzalezEc) March 24, 2024 × Garcia's tragic death follows a pattern of violence against political figures in Ecuador. Last August, presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, just two weeks before the election. As per Reuters, Villavicencio was known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and organised crime. In response to the escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in January. This move came after armed men invaded a TV station during a live broadcast. Noboa also classified 22 criminal groups as terrorist organisations. The state of emergency was extended earlier this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador's youngest mayor Brigitte Garcia found shot dead inside car

Forty-three prisoners remain at large after escaping a prison in northern Ecuador, the SNAI prisons agency said on Monday, as security forces continued operations throughout the country.

President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency last week, including a nighttime curfew, and designated 22 criminal groups as terrorists.

The recent explosion of violence - including the storming by gunmen of a live TV news broadcast, explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers - appears to be a response to Noboa's plans to address Ecuador's serious security crisis.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ecuador: State of emergency declared after most wanted criminal escapes prison

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Police and military personnel are present in jails throughout Ecuador after some 200 kidnapped guards and administrative officials were freed from at least seven prisons over the weekend.

The inmates escaped a jail in Esmeraldas, a city close to the border with Colombia, SNAI said in a statement on Monday, after some 2,000 members of Ecuador's security forces conducted a search operation in the prison on Sunday.

"As a result of this inspection, the escape of 48 people inmates was discovered," the statement added, noting that five prisoners were recaptured.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-violence-41-hostage-prison-workers-freed-136-remain-captive-679751">Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim</a>

Security forces also learned that one prisoner had died in the prison, SNAI said, without giving further details.

Since the state of emergency was declared, security forces have detained more than 1,500 people and have carried out 41 operations against terrorist groups, according to the government.

Operations will continue throughout Ecuador this week, the government said in a separate statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-daniel-noboa-ecuadors-youngest-president-elect-647514">Explained | Who is Daniel Noboa? Ecuador's youngest president-elect is heir to banana empire</a>

"The stated objective is clear: to be implacable with those who have terrorised and abused citizens," the government said.

Noboa, elected last year on pledges to restore security, has promised to keep gang leaders imprisoned in new high-security prisons, among other measures.

Forty-three prisoners remain at large after escaping a prison in northern Ecuador, the SNAI prisons agency said on Monday, as security forces continued operations throughout the country.

Forty-three prisoners remain at large after escaping a prison in northern Ecuador, the SNAI prisons agency said on Monday, as security forces continued operations throughout the country. President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency last week, including a nighttime curfew, and designated 22 criminal groups as terrorists. The recent explosion of violence - including the storming by gunmen of a live TV news broadcast, explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers - appears to be a response to Noboa's plans to address Ecuador's serious security crisis. WATCH | Ecuador: State of emergency declared after most wanted criminal escapes prison Police and military personnel are present in jails throughout Ecuador after some 200 kidnapped guards and administrative officials were freed from at least seven prisons over the weekend. The inmates escaped a jail in Esmeraldas, a city close to the border with Colombia, SNAI said in a statement on Monday, after some 2,000 members of Ecuador's security forces conducted a search operation in the prison on Sunday. "As a result of this inspection, the escape of 48 people inmates was discovered," the statement added, noting that five prisoners were recaptured. ALSO READ | Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim Security forces also learned that one prisoner had died in the prison, SNAI said, without giving further details. Since the state of emergency was declared, security forces have detained more than 1,500 people and have carried out 41 operations against terrorist groups, according to the government. Operations will continue throughout Ecuador this week, the government said in a separate statement. ALSO READ | Explained | Who is Daniel Noboa? Ecuador's youngest president-elect is heir to banana empire "The stated objective is clear: to be implacable with those who have terrorised and abused citizens," the government said. Noboa, elected last year on pledges to restore security, has promised to keep gang leaders imprisoned in new high-security prisons, among other measures.

At least 43 prisoners escape Ecuador jail amid continued military operations

All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.

All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said. The hostages, which SNAI previously said were 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers, were held since last Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country. President Daniel Noboa on the social media platform X congratulated SNAI, police and armed forces for the successful release of the prison staff. There would be an investigation to determine those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement. SNAI reported incidents at several prisons earlier Saturday, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard. Ecuador is grappling with a security crisis that worsened this week with the on-air storming of a TV station, unexplained explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers. Armed groups appear to be reacting to Noboa's plans to tackle the dire security situation, according to the government. The police and the armed forces were continuing to carry out operations around the country. More than 1,000 people have been arrested since a state of emergency began on Monday, the government said. Watch | Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region × Ecuador violence Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe. Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members. Also read | Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs According to the latest official report, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 escaped detainees have been recaptured, five "terrorists" shot dead and 57 kidnapped people have been released. A chilling video filmed in Machala prison and confirmed by police shows the corpse of a prisoner wrapped in plastic thrown into the street from inside the jail, which is under the control of inmates. Other images have emerged over the past few days showing arrested suspected gang members being ridiculed, forced to sing, hitting each other or being mistreated by soldiers.

Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim

The wave of violence currently sweeping through Ecuador, attributed to the activities of powerful gangs, has thrown the country into a state of fear. This unprecedented surge in violence is tied to several incidents, including prison riots, kidnappings of police officers, and a brazen storming of a TV station. In an attempt to regain control and restore peace, the Ecuadorian President, Daniel Noboa, has ordered the military to confront these powerful criminal organizations, now branded as "terrorist" groups.

Ecuador Violence: Series of raids inside El Salvador's prison

Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region

Dozens of armed men stormed a TV broadcast in Ecuador just a day after President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day National Emergency. The Ecuadorian President has ordered that all the criminal gangs involved in the attack be neutralized after the country exploded into what he called an internal armed conflict.

Ecuador: Violent chaos unfolds as soldiers patrol streets, nationwide curfew imposed

Ecuador has declared a state of emergency for 60 days after one of the country's most notorious narco bosses escaped from prison. On Wednesday (Jan 10), President Daniel Noboa said that his country was at war with drug gangs.

Ecuador has declared a state of emergency for 60 days after one of the country's most notorious narco bosses escaped from prison. On Wednesday (Jan 10), President Daniel Noboa said that his country was at war with drug gangs. Noboa, who came to power in January, named 22 gangs as terrorist organisations which made them official military targets. Following the government announcements, gangs started hitting back with a fresh wave of violence across the country. The crisis presents a fresh challenge for Noboa, who pledged during last year's election campaign that he would curb violence in the Central American country. A fresh wave of violence Violence is not new in Ecuador. Since the Covid pandemic in 2020, the security situation in the country worsened which also battered the economy. Citing government data, a report by the news agency Reuters on Thursday said that the number of violent deaths rose to 8,008 in 2023, nearly doubling the figure reported in 2022. The government has blamed the situation on the growing reach of cocaine-trafficking gangs, who have destabilised swathes of South America. Ecuador's prison system is also a major contributor to the de-stability. Inside jails, gangs have taken advantage of the state's weak control to expand their power. In recent times, prison violence has become increasingly common, resulting in numerous deaths. Govt's crackdown and chaos that unfolded Last Sunday, the police said that Adolfo Macias, a notorious narco boss and leader of the Los Choneros, disappeared from the prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence. This caused President Noboa to declare a state of emergency in Ecuador for sixty days, which included a nationwide curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. Exceptions were given to workers and individuals travelling to and from airports with a scheduled flight during curfew hours. As the week began on Monday, there were incidents of violence in at least six prisons. Reuters reported that as of Wednesday, more than 100 guards and other staff were still being held hostage by prisoners. In central Ecuador's Riobamba, around 39 inmates escaped from a prison but some of them were re-captured. The report said that seven police officers had also been kidnapped of which three were freed. Also read: 'It was surreal': Ecuadorean journalist held hostage recounts armed takeover Unrest has spread in the streets. On Tuesday, videos circulated on social media showing armed men setting vehicles on fire in a street in Esmeraldas. On the same day, two police officers were killed in Guayas province where Guayaquil is located. The most dramatic display of violence came when armed men wearing balaclavas stormed a studio of public broadcaster TC carrying weapons and grenades on Tuesday. The gunmen held journalists hostage. Over a dozen people in the group were arrested. Explosions were also reported in several cities on Tuesday, but there were no reports of injuries. The police said on Wednesday that 70 people had been arrested since Monday in response to incidents like the TV station take-over. Schools were shut across the country (on Wednesday), with students tending to online classes and many businesses choosing to close for the day. Since the state of emergency began, 329 people, mostly members of gangs like Los Choneros, Los Lobos and Los Tiguerones, were arrested, armed forces commander Jaime Vela told reporters on Wednesday evening. "There is no hostage who has been murdered," Vela said in response to videos shared on social media which showed prison staff being subjected to extreme violence, including being shot and hanged. 'An armed conflict' A day after declaring a state of emergency, President Noboa said in an updated decree on Tuesday that he recognised an "internal armed conflict" in Ecuador and identified several criminal gangs as terrorist groups, including Los Choneros. The decree ordered the armed forces to neutralise the groups. "It is a non-international armed conflict. We are fighting for national peace. We are also fighting against terrorist groups, which today number more than 20,000 people," Noboa told a local radio station on Wednesday. Also watch | Ecuador: Violent chaos unfolds as soldiers patrol streets, nationwide curfew imposed × "We will not give in to the stupid things they are used to doing. They, I mean the terrorists who are in these prisons. It is difficult, it is hard and I also sympathise with the families of the kidnapped officials. We are in a state of war, we are in a state of war, and we cannot give in to these terrorist groups," he added. After coming to power, the president has been touting his "Phoenix Plan" for security. This plan includes a new intelligence unit, tactical weapons for security forces, new high-security prisons, and reinforced security at ports and airports - key points for drug shipments - which would cost some $800 million. In December last year, Noboa said that the US would provide new weapons worth $200 million for the army, and the rest of the funds would come from the national budget. Later this year, he plans to hold a security-focused plebiscite. This would include asking citizens if the government should undo a ban on the extradition of Ecuadoreans wanted abroad and if the seizure of assets from suspected criminals should be allowed. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How Ecuador became a nation held hostage by its own criminal gangs

Ecuador Violence: Waves of arrests after army deployed to restore law and order

A journalist in Ecuador, who was held hostage on live TV by gangster gunmen during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ecuador-on-edge-as-armed-men-storm-tv-station-state-of-emergency-declared-678390">takeover of a Guayaquil TV station</a>, said on Wednesday (Jan 10) that the experience was "surreal."

On Tuesday, gunmen stormed a studio at public broadcaster TC, carrying a range of weapons as well as grenades amid a state of emergency imposed in the country following the disappearance of one of the most powerful narco bosses.&nbsp;

The disappearance of Jose Adolfo Macias prompted the government to launch a military crackdown (on criminal gangs) which in turn led to gangs hitting back. The country is now under an emergency and the government has declared war on the gangs.

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, journalist Jose Luis Calderon of TC said that he was in the studio as his colleagues led a broadcast on Tuesday afternoon when he heard yelling, shots and people running outside in the hallway.

"Our immediate reaction was to seek refuge in the bathroom," Calderon, 47, said, adding he hid with some colleagues and they called family members and police, but were overheard by the gunmen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-declares-state-of-emergency-after-its-most-wanted-criminal-disappears-from-jail-678015">Ecuador declares state of emergency after its most-wanted criminal disappears from jail</a>

"They forced us, under threats, to come out. They took us (into the studio) as hostages with other colleagues," he further said and pointed out that the attackers menaced the staff with guns.&nbsp;

Upon interrupting the broadcast, the gunmen said that they were part of La Firma, a gang associated with the larger crime group Los Choneros.

Calderon further told Reuters on Wednesday that the gunmen held a rifle to his head and tucked dynamite into his jacket, demanding he appear on the live feed.

"That's when I said the police shouldn't come in or they would kill us one by one, that was what they obliged me to say," the journalist said, adding the experience was surreal.&nbsp;

The gunmen opened fire "and they shot a door and one of the bullets ricocheted and injured the leg of a cameraman," Calderon said. Another employee suffered a broken arm, according to TC.&nbsp;

The gunmen eventually surrendered and 13 people were arrested at the site.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A journalist in Ecuador, who was held hostage on live TV by gangster gunmen during the takeover of a Guayaquil TV station, said on Wednesday (Jan 10) that the experience was "surreal.

A journalist in Ecuador, who was held hostage on live TV by gangster gunmen during the takeover of a Guayaquil TV station, said on Wednesday (Jan 10) that the experience was "surreal." On Tuesday, gunmen stormed a studio at public broadcaster TC, carrying a range of weapons as well as grenades amid a state of emergency imposed in the country following the disappearance of one of the most powerful narco bosses. The disappearance of Jose Adolfo Macias prompted the government to launch a military crackdown (on criminal gangs) which in turn led to gangs hitting back. The country is now under an emergency and the government has declared war on the gangs. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, journalist Jose Luis Calderon of TC said that he was in the studio as his colleagues led a broadcast on Tuesday afternoon when he heard yelling, shots and people running outside in the hallway. "Our immediate reaction was to seek refuge in the bathroom," Calderon, 47, said, adding he hid with some colleagues and they called family members and police, but were overheard by the gunmen. Also read: Ecuador declares state of emergency after its most-wanted criminal disappears from jail "They forced us, under threats, to come out. They took us (into the studio) as hostages with other colleagues," he further said and pointed out that the attackers menaced the staff with guns. Upon interrupting the broadcast, the gunmen said that they were part of La Firma, a gang associated with the larger crime group Los Choneros. Calderon further told Reuters on Wednesday that the gunmen held a rifle to his head and tucked dynamite into his jacket, demanding he appear on the live feed. "That's when I said the police shouldn't come in or they would kill us one by one, that was what they obliged me to say," the journalist said, adding the experience was surreal. The gunmen opened fire "and they shot a door and one of the bullets ricocheted and injured the leg of a cameraman," Calderon said. Another employee suffered a broken arm, according to TC. The gunmen eventually surrendered and 13 people were arrested at the site. (With inputs from agencies)

'It was surreal': Ecuadorean journalist held hostage recounts armed takeover

At least 10 people, including two officials, have been killed in violence linked to criminal gangs in Ecuador. This as shocking scenes unfolded in the nation after a state of emergency was declared. The commander general of the nation's police has declared the attack on a local tv station as an act of terrorism.

At least 10 dead in Ecuador gang violence: Police

Masked men broke onto the set of a public television channel in Ecuador waving guns and explosives during a live broadcast Tuesday, and the president issued a decree declaring that the violence-plagued country had entered an “internal armed conflict.”

Gunmen burst into Ecuador television studio live on air as attacks in country escalate

Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader.

Voters' top concerns largely centre on the economy - which has struggled since the coronavirus pandemic and motivated many thousands of Ecuadoreans to migrate - and rising crime, including increases in murders, robberies and prison riots.

The violence, which the outgoing government blames on drug gangs, reached a crescendo during the campaign with the murder of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead while leaving a Quito campaign event in August.

Business scion Daniel Noboa, 35, has led recent polling, but at least two surveys put voting intention for him and Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, within the margin of error.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-drugs-gang-warfare-and-corruption-transformed-ecuador-625424">Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder</a>

Gonzalez, 45, and a former lawmaker, won 34 per cent&nbsp;of the vote in the first round.

She has said she would bring back the popular social spending which characterised Correa's decade in power, pledging free medicine, increased worker protections and direct aid to those in need.

She also has promised to use $2.5 billion from international reserves to shore up the economy.

Noboa, also an ex-lawmaker and who has promised job creation - especially for young people - was a surprise entrance to the run-off, winning 23 per cent&nbsp;in the first round.

He is the son of multimillionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa, who himself ran unsuccessfully for president numerous times.

Outgoing President Guillermo Lasso called the election early to avoid impeachment on charges he disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at a state company. He has denied the charges.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ecuador presidential elections clouded by violence

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The winner will govern only between this December and May 2025, when the victor of regularly-scheduled elections will take office.

<h2>TIGHT RACE</h2>

Many voters were still undecided in the final days of the campaign, according to pollsters.

A Noboa victory initially could be perceived as positive by investors, but longer-term market outlook would depend on who he appoints to top jobs, said Zulfi Ali, portfolio manager for PGIM.

"The market is going to look very closely at the policies, the initial statements, and also the composition of the cabinet, especially in Noboa's case," Ali said. "So while the first reaction is positive, because he's a pro-business candidate, pro-business and pro-markets can mean two different things."

Gonzalez has said Correa would be her top economic advisor, while both candidates have said they would balance compliance with the terms of Ecuador's foreign debt with the needs of the population.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-third-political-leader-killed-in-a-week-after-presidential-hopefuls-assassination-625774">Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination</a>

On security, Gonzalez has pledged to build a new prison outside Guayaquil and take back the country from criminals, while Noboa has said the most dangerous convicts should be held on prison boats and that he will use technology to fight crime.

Both have pledged to beef up security at ports and airports, hot spots for drug smuggling.

Gonzalez enjoys the robust backing of Correa's Citizens' Revolution party, while Noboa formed his own party, National Democratic Action.

Both candidates have tried to woo young people during the campaign's final days. About a quarter of the 13 million Ecuadoreans obliged to vote are between the ages of 18 and 29. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader.

Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader. Voters' top concerns largely centre on the economy - which has struggled since the coronavirus pandemic and motivated many thousands of Ecuadoreans to migrate - and rising crime, including increases in murders, robberies and prison riots. The violence, which the outgoing government blames on drug gangs, reached a crescendo during the campaign with the murder of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead while leaving a Quito campaign event in August. Business scion Daniel Noboa, 35, has led recent polling, but at least two surveys put voting intention for him and Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, within the margin of error. ALSO READ | Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder Gonzalez, 45, and a former lawmaker, won 34 per cent of the vote in the first round. She has said she would bring back the popular social spending which characterised Correa's decade in power, pledging free medicine, increased worker protections and direct aid to those in need. She also has promised to use $2.5 billion from international reserves to shore up the economy. Noboa, also an ex-lawmaker and who has promised job creation - especially for young people - was a surprise entrance to the run-off, winning 23 per cent in the first round. He is the son of multimillionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa, who himself ran unsuccessfully for president numerous times. Outgoing President Guillermo Lasso called the election early to avoid impeachment on charges he disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at a state company. He has denied the charges. ALSO WATCH | Ecuador presidential elections clouded by violence The winner will govern only between this December and May 2025, when the victor of regularly-scheduled elections will take office. TIGHT RACE Many voters were still undecided in the final days of the campaign, according to pollsters. A Noboa victory initially could be perceived as positive by investors, but longer-term market outlook would depend on who he appoints to top jobs, said Zulfi Ali, portfolio manager for PGIM. "The market is going to look very closely at the policies, the initial statements, and also the composition of the cabinet, especially in Noboa's case," Ali said. "So while the first reaction is positive, because he's a pro-business candidate, pro-business and pro-markets can mean two different things." Gonzalez has said Correa would be her top economic advisor, while both candidates have said they would balance compliance with the terms of Ecuador's foreign debt with the needs of the population. ALSO READ | Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination On security, Gonzalez has pledged to build a new prison outside Guayaquil and take back the country from criminals, while Noboa has said the most dangerous convicts should be held on prison boats and that he will use technology to fight crime. Both have pledged to beef up security at ports and airports, hot spots for drug smuggling. Gonzalez enjoys the robust backing of Correa's Citizens' Revolution party, while Noboa formed his own party, National Democratic Action. Both candidates have tried to woo young people during the campaign's final days. About a quarter of the 13 million Ecuadoreans obliged to vote are between the ages of 18 and 29. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuadoreans weigh economic, security pledges in presidential ballot

Ecuadorian police defused an explosives-laden drone on the roof of a prison on the 12th of September. Described by the Ecuadorian Interior minister as an "explosive device", the drone perched on the roof of La Roca maximum security jail in Guayaquil. The prison is infamous for housing some of the most dangerous criminals, including the six Colombians suspected of killing the presidential hopeful, Fernando Villavicencio, last month. For an impoverished nation battling the powerful narco-gangs, Increasing usage of drones and submarines by criminals is a worrying trend. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Use of drones & submarines by Narco-gangs in Ecuador a worrying trend

Ecuadorian capital Quito was rocked by car bombings and grenade attacks on the intervening night of 30th and 31st of August. Hours later, inmates in six prisons took 50 prison guards and 7 police officers' hostage. The hostage situation was resolved the next day when guards and police officers were released and taken into safety. Six people, including a Colombian national, have been apprehended. Apparently, a show of force by organized criminal gangs, the wave of attacks claimed no victims. The prison uprising is believed to be a riposte to a police sweep of jails a day before to confiscate weapons. What explains Ecuador's recent descent into violence and more importantly, will it go the Colombia and Mexico way insofar the drug trade is concerned? Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Ecuador besieged by violence & insecurity | World At War

Mayor of an Ecuadorian coastal city, on Saturday (August 19), claimed that he was a victim of an attempted assassination, a day before the country is set to hold general elections. This comes as Ecuador is reeling from an unprecedented surge in violence and reported a disturbing trend of attacks against political candidates which includes the assassination of a presidential hopeful.&nbsp;

<h2>They tried to kill me: Ecuadorian mayor</h2>

The mayor of the Ecuadorian coastal town of La Libertad, Francisco Tamariz, took to X (formerly Twitter) and spoke about the ordeal that took place on Friday evening. He said that he escaped unharmed after gunmen fired 30 shots at his vehicle.

“They tried to kill me,” said Tamariz, adding that more than eight people had witnessed the shooting.

<h2>Ecuador elections marked by violence</h2>

Ecuador has been grappling with an alarming rise in violence, particularly over the past three years, as the nation has transformed into a significant drug trafficking hub. Local gangs, often with cartel affiliations, are vying for control of the streets, prisons, and drug routes, resulting in thousands of casualties. 
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Luisa González, a prominent figure in the party and the frontrunner in the recent special presidential election, has described this rise in violence as the country’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-drugs-gang-warfare-and-corruption-transformed-ecuador-625424">“bloodiest era.”</a> The recent alleged assassination attempt also comes days after the political leader named Pedro Briones was killed on August 15.&nbsp;

Briones was an organiser for Citizen Revolution, the party founded by former president Rafael Correa and his death was confirmed by González on X. Briones’ death also came less than a week after the daylight assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, a vocal critic of organised crime and corruption.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-third-political-leader-killed-in-a-week-after-presidential-hopefuls-assassination-625774">&nbsp;Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination</a>

These incidents follow the killing of Agustín Intriago, the mayor of Manta, Ecuador’s third-largest city, on July 26.&nbsp;

In response to the escalating violence, authorities moved José Adolfo Macías, also known as Fito, the leader of one of the country’s powerful gangs, Los Choneros, into a maximum-security prison.&nbsp; 
 
This also comes as the murder in the small South American nation has recently spiked and soared above that of Mexico and Colombia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
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Mayor of an Ecuadorian coastal city, on Saturday (August 19), claimed that he was a victim of an attempted assassination, a day before the country is set to hold general elections.

Mayor of an Ecuadorian coastal city, on Saturday (August 19), claimed that he was a victim of an attempted assassination, a day before the country is set to hold general elections. This comes as Ecuador is reeling from an unprecedented surge in violence and reported a disturbing trend of attacks against political candidates which includes the assassination of a presidential hopeful. They tried to kill me: Ecuadorian mayor The mayor of the Ecuadorian coastal town of La Libertad, Francisco Tamariz, took to X (formerly Twitter) and spoke about the ordeal that took place on Friday evening. He said that he escaped unharmed after gunmen fired 30 shots at his vehicle. “They tried to kill me,” said Tamariz, adding that more than eight people had witnessed the shooting. Ecuador elections marked by violence Ecuador has been grappling with an alarming rise in violence, particularly over the past three years, as the nation has transformed into a significant drug trafficking hub. Local gangs, often with cartel affiliations, are vying for control of the streets, prisons, and drug routes, resulting in thousands of casualties. Dark World | Is Ecuador becoming a Narco-state? WION's Harshit Sabarwal decodes it for you#Ecuador #Ecuadorelection #FernandoVillavicencio #Ecuadordrugcartels #DarkWorld @B_Torg pic.twitter.com/JLCjLoAxWI — WION (@WIONews) August 18, 2023 × Luisa González, a prominent figure in the party and the frontrunner in the recent special presidential election, has described this rise in violence as the country’s “bloodiest era.” The recent alleged assassination attempt also comes days after the political leader named Pedro Briones was killed on August 15. Briones was an organiser for Citizen Revolution, the party founded by former president Rafael Correa and his death was confirmed by González on X. Briones’ death also came less than a week after the daylight assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, a vocal critic of organised crime and corruption. ALSO READ | Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination These incidents follow the killing of Agustín Intriago, the mayor of Manta, Ecuador’s third-largest city, on July 26. In response to the escalating violence, authorities moved José Adolfo Macías, also known as Fito, the leader of one of the country’s powerful gangs, Los Choneros, into a maximum-security prison. This also comes as the murder in the small South American nation has recently spiked and soared above that of Mexico and Colombia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuador mayor survives assassination attempt ahead of general elections

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three coastal provinces, amid a wave of violence over the weekend in the Andean country that left at least eight people dead.

Lasso declared the state of emergency in the provinces of Manabi and Los Rios and in the city of Duran, near Guayaquil, after Agustin Intriago, the mayor of coastal city Manta, was shot dead on Sunday.

It also comes on the back of riots over the weekend in the prison Penitenciaria del Litoral, in Guayaquil, involving clashes between gangs inside the prison.

Lasso has frequently resorted to declaring states of emergency as&nbsp;Ecuador&nbsp;struggles with prison riots and waves of violence throughout the country.

"We cannot deny that organized crime has permeated the state, political organizations and society itself, it is a problem that has been brewing for more than a decade," Lasso said after a security cabinet meeting.

The state of emergency will last for 60 days in the provinces, while the curfew will vary during that period, the government said.

The murder of Manta's mayor is under investigation, Lasso said.

Sunday's riots left at least six inmates dead and 11 injured, according to the SNAI prison authority.

Prisoners also took 96 guards as hostages in jails in Cotopaxi, Azuay, Cañar, El Oro and Napo, and are continuing a hunger strike that began on Sunday in 13&nbsp;Ecuadorean prisons, without disclosing reasons for the strikes.

The prison system in the South American country has faced structural problems for decades, but jail violence has soared since 2021, killing at least 400 people in frequent confrontations, which have drawn the concern of the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

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Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three coastal provinces, amid a wave of violence over the weekend in the Andean country that left at least eight people dead.

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three coastal provinces, amid a wave of violence over the weekend in the Andean country that left at least eight people dead. Lasso declared the state of emergency in the provinces of Manabi and Los Rios and in the city of Duran, near Guayaquil, after Agustin Intriago, the mayor of coastal city Manta, was shot dead on Sunday. It also comes on the back of riots over the weekend in the prison Penitenciaria del Litoral, in Guayaquil, involving clashes between gangs inside the prison. Lasso has frequently resorted to declaring states of emergency as Ecuador struggles with prison riots and waves of violence throughout the country. "We cannot deny that organized crime has permeated the state, political organizations and society itself, it is a problem that has been brewing for more than a decade," Lasso said after a security cabinet meeting. The state of emergency will last for 60 days in the provinces, while the curfew will vary during that period, the government said. The murder of Manta's mayor is under investigation, Lasso said. Sunday's riots left at least six inmates dead and 11 injured, according to the SNAI prison authority. Prisoners also took 96 guards as hostages in jails in Cotopaxi, Azuay, Cañar, El Oro and Napo, and are continuing a hunger strike that began on Sunday in 13 Ecuadorean prisons, without disclosing reasons for the strikes. The prison system in the South American country has faced structural problems for decades, but jail violence has soared since 2021, killing at least 400 people in frequent confrontations, which have drawn the concern of the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuador declares state of emergency amid violent clashes; prisoners take 96 guards as hostages

Violence continues in Ecuador as Manta city Mayor Agustin Intriago was assassinated on Sunday (July 23), and six inmates were killed in weekend clashes between gang members in a prison in Guayaquil city.

Violence continues in Ecuador as Manta city Mayor Agustin Intriago was assassinated on Sunday (July 23), and six inmates were killed in weekend clashes between gang members in a prison in Guayaquil city. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Mayor Intriago, 38, was inspecting public works in Manta when he was shot dead. Addressing a press conference, regional police commander Edwin Noguera said that a gunman got out of a stolen truck and opened fire on Intriago, hitting him and a woman who also died. Security officials with Intriago returned fire and injured the driver of the truck who is now in police custody. Noguera said that the driver was a Venezuelan national without a prior criminal record. However, the gunman escaped, the police official added. Reuters reported that it was not immediately clear why Intriago was killed, though police said that he had reported receiving threats. Six killed in gang clashes in prison At least six inmates were killed and 11 others were injured in weekend clashes between gang members in the Guayas No. 1 prison in the western city of Guayaquil. In a statement, the SNAI prison authority said that following the violence, inmates in 10 prisons across Ecuador including the one where the clashes happened went on a hunger strike. Watch | Six killed in gang clashes in Ecuador prison, officials targeted × Due to the violence, security protocols were activated across the prison service, and security personnel are currently being held by gang members in five jails, the statement said, adding that officials appeared to be in good health and security forces were working to free them. Ecuador has seen an uptick in violent crime that the government says is driven by power struggles between criminal gangs over the drug trafficking trade. The country has become an important transit point for cocaine moving to Europe and the United States. Since 2021, Ecuador has suffered a string of serious prison riots which have killed hundreds of inmates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Violence in Ecuador continues: Mayor assassinated; six killed in prison gang clashes

In Ecuador, five police officers were killed in explosive attacks which were in response to prisoner transfers from overcrowded and violent prisons and this prompted President Lasso to declare emergency in two provinces.

Ecuador: Five policemen killed; President Lasso declares emergency

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency in the country grappling with a surge in drug-related violence, and ordered the mobilization of armed forces in the streets.

Ecuador grapples with rise in drug-related violence

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