Ecuador, Simultaneous New Year Gang Attacks... "No Korean Victims Yet"

Leader of Largest Crime Syndicate Escapes Prison Again
Armed Intruder Storms Broadcasting Station During Live Broadcast
Police Officer Kidnapped Amid Multiple Crimes
Government Declares 60-Day National Emergency

There have been no reported damages to Korean residents in Ecuador, South America, where rapid deterioration of public safety is underway.

On the 9th (local time), about 10 armed assailants broke into the TC Television station in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, and threatened broadcasters and staff with firearms and grenades, a scene that was broadcast live. Following this incident, local police are apprehending the suspects. [Image source=AFP·Yonhap News]

On the 9th (local time), the Korean Embassy in Ecuador stated, "At the beginning of the new year, organized crime groups are committing simultaneous violent crimes against public authorities and citizens," adding, "Fortunately, no harm to our compatriots has been reported so far." Since establishing diplomatic relations with Ecuador in 1962, approximately 600 Koreans currently reside in Ecuador.

From the 7th until today, Ecuador has seen the successive prison escapes of the leaders of the country's largest criminal organizations, prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency for 60 days (January 8 to March 8). As a result, gang-led violence and unrest continue. Notably, crimes across the country include armed assailants invading a broadcasting station during a live broadcast and threatening staff, police officer abductions, explosive attacks near the Supreme Court Chief Justice’s residence, hostage situations targeting prison officers, university facility occupations, and vehicle arson.

Many companies have decided on early dismissal of employees for safety reasons, causing severe traffic congestion and ongoing chaos in major cities such as Quito and Guayaquil.

On the 9th (local time), about 10 armed assailants broke into the TC Television station in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, threatening broadcasters and staff with firearms and grenades in a live broadcast. Following this incident, local soldiers are patrolling near the broadcasting station. [Image source=AFP·Yonhap News]

The Ecuadorian authorities, pursuing the escaped inmates, have emphasized their determination not to back down in the face of these attacks. The government has implemented measures such as a nighttime curfew (11 PM to 5 AM) and increased checkpoints and inspections within a 1 km radius of prisons. Furthermore, major gangs have been designated as terrorist organizations, and the military has been ordered to conduct immediate military operations as part of a strong response.

President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador stressed in a video address, "There will be no negotiations with terrorists until all Ecuadorian citizens regain peace."

The Korean Embassy in Ecuador announced via its website and social media (SNS), "There is a possibility of similar dangerous situations occurring in the future," urging, "Please continuously check government announcements and reports from credible media outlets to avoid unexpected harm or inconvenience, and in case of emergencies or if you become aware of any damage, promptly inform the embassy, consular call center, or other available assistance." The embassy also advised avoiding visits to prison vicinity areas, high-crime zones, and crowded places even outside curfew hours.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.