Gangs and Cartels
Gangs and cartels take over many countries, such as Guatemala, Mexico, and in this case, Ecuador. These terrifying organizations differentiate across the many different countries that they inhabit. Therefore, they are responsible for the a lot of the murders and crimes that occur in these different countries.
However, it is very hard for those of higher power to do anything about it, as they are afraid of the repercussions that will come with committing action. They are afraid that they will be the next target. Therefore, to combat this, they work with these gangs, in order to avoid certain negative outcome.
What Occurred in Ecuador?
The Ecuadorian President, Daniel Noboa, has declared a state of war throughout the country. This happens as many gang members hold more than 130 prison guards hostage, while setting off explosions as they went on with the terror. This has left the streets of Ecuador completely vacant, as citizens are afraid of being the next target. Therefore, the President of Ecuador has formally gone on air declaring the state of emergency that they are in. The military of Ecuador is also going to target these gangs, and make sure that those guards are brought back home safely.
Additionally, aside from raiding a prison and holding many guards hostage, gangs also stormed into a TV news studio, and held the staff there hostage as well. They also threatened to kill civilians and officers as they proceeded.
This TV station was also live on air, and on the video they were showing their weapons and explosives. Due to this, President Noboa has officially named 22 gang organizations as “terrorist” organizations, and are another military target.
The Future of Gangs
Ecuador is just one of many countries that are beginning to take action against the cartels that roam their homes. However, this comes with a major risk, as these cartels are very violent.
However, after everything that they have recently done to many innocent civilians and guards, the Ecuadorian President does not want to take this any longer. He wants to do something about it, and make sure that these gangs do not hurt innocent people ever again.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
Reuters: Ecuador president says country is at war as gangs hold prison staff hostage
Microsoft Start: Ecuador president declares ‘war’ with criminal gangs amid soaring violence
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of D.C.Atty’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Peter M’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
