Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa issued pardons to police and military after a violent attack in Guayaquil claimed 22 lives. The attack is linked to gang disputes, and following the incident, authorities conducted raids leading to arrests and weapon seizures. Noboa’s administration has enforced strict measures against crime as the country approaches pivotal elections, significantly shaped by its ongoing security crisis.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons to police and military personnel responding to a recent armed attack in Guayaquil that resulted in 22 fatalities. Noboa urged security forces to act decisively without fearing repercussions, indicating his commitment to support them. This approach is not new, as Noboa has previously offered pardons to security forces combating crime even before any allegations are made against them.
The tragic incident unfolded on Thursday, affecting three locations within Guayaquil. Authorities reported that alongside the 22 fatalities, six individuals were injured. Initial investigations link the attack to a profit-sharing dispute between factions of the Los Tiguerones gang, as stated by police spokespersons. Notably, many of the deceased and injured victims reportedly had criminal backgrounds including robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses.
In response to the attack, Ecuadorian authorities conducted several overnight raids, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals and the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The ongoing violence in Guayaquil, which recorded almost 2,000 homicides in 2024, highlights a severe drug-related crime crisis in the country.
Since taking office in 2023, President Noboa has implemented stringent measures against the security crisis, including declaring multiple states of emergency and labeling 22 criminal organizations as terrorist entities. These actions have drawn criticism from various human rights groups both locally and internationally. The prevailing instability, driven by the international drug market, underscores Noboa’s campaign as he seeks re-election after failing to achieve a majority in the first round of the general election last month. A decisive second-round vote will determine the country’s future direction, whether to maintain Noboa’s hardline policies or consider an alternative with leftist candidate Luisa González.
In the wake of the recent violent attack in Guayaquil, President Daniel Noboa has empowered security forces with preemptive pardons to combat crime more effectively. The incident reflects the escalating violence driven by drug trafficking and gang disputes in Ecuador. Noboa’s hardline security measures, aimed at restoring stability, face both support and criticism ahead of the upcoming elections that will shape the country’s approach to handling its security crisis.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
