Ecuador experienced a series of car bombings and the hostage-taking of over 50 law enforcement officers in various prisons on Thursday. This comes just weeks after the assassination of a presidential candidate. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the explosions in the capital city of Quito and the province bordering Peru. Similarly, none of the law enforcement officers taken hostage were harmed.
Authorities believe that these brazen actions are in response to the relocation of inmates and other measures implemented by the country’s corrections system. The escalation of violence follows the killing of Fernando Villavicencio, a presidential candidate, three weeks ago.
The corrections system, known as the National Service for Attention to Persons Deprived of Liberty, has been struggling to maintain control over large prisons, which have been plagued by violent riots resulting in numerous deaths. To manage gang-related disputes, officials have resorted to transferring inmates.
The bombings occurred in Quito, with the first explosion taking place in an area previously occupied by an office of the corrections system. The second explosion occurred outside the agency’s current base. Gas cylinders, fuel, fuses, and blocks of dynamite were discovered among the debris of the crime scenes in Quito. Additionally, gas tanks were used in the explosions in the El Oro communities of Casacay and Bella India.
In the city of Cuenca, where one of the prisons holding hostages is located, an explosive device damaged a car. Seven of the hostages are police officers, while the rest are prison guards. A video shared on social media shows Lt. Alonso Quintana, a police officer held captive, requesting authorities to respect the rights of the incarcerated individuals. He reveals that approximately 30 people are being held by the inmates.
The surge in violence in Ecuador over the past three years can be attributed to a power vacuum created by the murder of gang leader Jorge Zambrano, also known as “Rasquiña” or “JL,” in 2020. Gangs like Los Choneros, associated with Mexican and Colombian cartels, are vying for control of drug-trafficking routes and territory, including within detention facilities. Since 2021, at least 400 inmates have died in these facilities.
Fernando Villavicencio, the slain presidential candidate, was known for his tough stance against organized crime and corruption. He was assassinated despite having a security detail comprised of police and bodyguards. Prior to his murder, Villavicencio had accused Los Choneros and its incarcerated leader, Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” of issuing death threats against him and his campaign team. Wagner Bravo, Ecuador’s Security Secretary, suspects that six relocated prisoners may have been involved in Villavicencio’s killing.
The situation has prompted the mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, to urge for swift and effective justice. He emphasizes the importance of peace, calm, and security for all citizens.
Violent deaths in Ecuador have seen a significant increase, with 3,568 reported in the first six months of this year compared to 2,042 during the same period in 2022. The year 2022 concluded with a record-breaking 4,600 violent deaths, twice the number in 2021.
While the port city of Guayaquil has been the epicenter of violence, the coastal city of Esmeraldas is also considered highly dangerous. Recently, six government vehicles were set on fire in Esmeraldas.
Overall, the country must address these escalating acts of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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