2024-01-13 12:46:39
At least five prisoners escaped on Friday evening from the huge Guayaquil prison complex in southwestern Ecuador, and two of them were arrested shortly following during a massive manhunt, identical sources said.
Shortly following their escape, two helicopters and drones flew over the outskirts of the huge prison located north of the city, with huge searchlights directed at the ground in an effort to locate the fugitives.
Two police sources told AFP that at least five prisoners escaped by evening through the back of the prison adjacent to a river. Two of them were arrested shortly following.
Unverified photos published on social media showed two men lying on the ground with their hands tied. They were said to be on the run, and neither the authorities nor the prison administration made any statement.
Shortly following the incident, dozens of police officers, supported by soldiers, were deployed to patrol around the prison, where the most dangerous criminals in the country are held.
Officers on motorcycles patrolled the highway, in front of the prison entrance, and in the surrounding streets. Soldiers were on alert near the site.
About ten individuals wearing bullet-proof shields were stationed at the main entrance to the prison. The situation seemed calm, and traffic on the nearby highway was not interrupted.
Since Sunday, Ecuador has been witnessing an unprecedented security crisis following Adolfo Macias, the leader of the Choneros gang, nicknamed “Vito,” escaped from the Guayaquil prison, which is subject to maximum security.
Vito’s escape was followed by mutinies, the taking of hostages by guards in various prisons, attacks on police, and the setting of vehicles on fire… Eighteen people were also killed, and 178 prison staff are still being held hostage in prisons.
President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency and ordered the army to eliminate these criminal gangs, which he described as “terrorists.”
More than 22,400 soldiers were deployed on land, air and sea patrols, comprehensive inspections were carried out in prisons, and a curfew was imposed.
Since January 9, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 fugitives arrested, 5 “terrorists” killed, and 57 kidnappers released, according to the latest toll published by the authorities on Friday.
A video clip filmed in Machala Prison (southwest) and confirmed by the police exacerbated the state of terror on Friday. The clip showed a prisoner’s wrapped body being thrown from the window of the prison, which is under rebel control.
Other clips circulated over the past two days showed the suspected gang members who were arrested being insulted and ill-treated by soldiers.
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