Prison riots, a television break-in, and the escape of two outlaws. This is what transpired in Ecuador within the last few hours after a 60-day state of emergency was declared.
The police said that over 10 persons had died as a result of gunfire between drug dealers and law enforcement, albeit this figure is preliminary.
In the meanwhile, gunshots, explosions, and burning automobiles are occurring in the cities, and army tanks are stationed in Quito, the nation's capital.
Armed men stormed into a live broadcast on the TC Televisión station in Guayaquil, keeping several individuals hostage until the police intervened to control the situation, saving the employees and detaining thirteen people on terrorism-related charges.
Daniel Noboa, the president of Ecuador, claims that the nation is now experiencing an internal military battle.
Noboa signed a proclamation directing the army to destroy 22 armed organizations and ordering important officials and their families to have higher security.
It has been claimed that the gang boss who was on the run in Ecuador and was responsible for havoc with security has been apprehended.
This is Adolfo Macías, the head of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador's most violent criminal groups. Macías was incarcerated for 34 years on charges of drug trafficking, organized crime, and murder.
While the United States has expressed its severe worry and offered assistance in return, Argentina has indicated that it is prepared to provide Ecuador military support in the battle against organized crime.