SITUATIONAL REPORT

ECUADOR
11th January, 2024

WAR AGAINST TERRORISM

 BACKGROUND
Since one of the country's "most wanted" criminals,
better known as "Fito," escaped from prison on
January 8th, a wave of criminal violence was
unleashed. The country has been rocked by prison
riots, car bombs, robberies, and even police
kidnappings.

In response to these events, President Daniel

Noboa's government declared a 60-day state of
emergency nationwide. Following this resolution,
various criminal gangs initiated coordinated
guerrilla-type attacks across the country.

On Tuesday, the 9th, around 2:30 pm, an armed

gang took over a live broadcast at a TV station. On
the same day, in response to this incident, the
President declared an "internal armed conflict.".

Noboa identified 22 gangs as "terrorist"

organizations, officially designating them as military
targets. These groups are named Águilas,
ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller,
Choneros, Covicheros, Cuartel de las Feas, Cubanos,
Fatales, Gánster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings,
Lobos, Los P. 27, Los Tiburones, Mafia 18, Mafia
Trébol, Patrones, R7, and Tiguerones.

The situation has instilled fear among many

Ecuadorians. In response to the government's
recent declarations, businesses and companies shut
down. People were desperate to return home,
leading to a collapse in traffic and public transport.
Schools and colleges announced the
implementation of virtual classes for everyone's
safety.

Quito, Ecuador.
Av. Eloy Alfaro y Av. Portugal
www.latam.expert

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JOINT FORCES COMMAND UPDATE
This report was published by the Joint Forces Command on January 10th

Around 22,400 military personnel were deployed nationwide as part

of anti-terrorism tactical actions.

A total of 283 military operations took place, intervening in social

rehabilitation centers in Guayas, Machala, and Quito.

During these operations:

329 terrorists were arrested.
3 terrorists were killed.
41 hostages were rescued.
25 prisoners were recaptured.
195 vehicles were detained.
61 weapons of different calibers.
23.17 kg of substances subject to
control were seized.
418 pieces of ammunition.
24 explosives.
19 communication equipment.
9 boats.

Quito, Ecuador.
Av. Eloy Alfaro y Av. Portugal
www.latam.expert

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CURRENT SITUATION
At the moment, there is a situation of tense
calm, with government buildings and critical
infrastructure militarized.

Approximately 50% of companies continue

teleworking, and almost all government
agencies are operating remotely. In the case
of schools, classes are conducted online.

Current intelligence indicates that potential

future attacks may not be focused on urban
centers or government buildings but rather
on the periphery, including roads and cities
outside the main ones.

Incidents persist in jails in the cities of El Oro

and Esmeraldas. Counts are being
conducted within these centers to detect
any prisoner escapes.

As of now, 158 prison security agents and 20

civilian workers remain kidnapped in prisons
across El Oro, Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Azuay,
Cañar, Loja, and Tungurahua.

Peru has activated a state of emergency in

the border area with Ecuador, set for a 60-
day period.

Colombia has militarized its border with

Ecuador to prevent the entry of fugitives
into its territory.

President Noboa announced that Ecuador

will extradite foreign prisoners.

Quito, Ecuador.
Av. Eloy Alfaro y Av. Portugal
www.latam.expert

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OUR OPERATIONAL STATUS
Our team is currently 100% operational.

The airports across the country are

operating normally.

There has been a surge in demand for

emergency evacuation and secure
transportation services.

We have successfully handled various

cases, including emergency evacuations,
of student groups, international workers,
and support for news media outlets.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Given the current risk level, all civilians should try to minimize movement
around the city. If possible, engage in teleworking or virtual classes and
stay at home.

Remain vigilant in public areas and crowded places, such as markets,

shopping centers, or events.

Be attentive to any suspicious persons, vehicles, or objects, and

promptly inform the police or security officers at the scene.

Monitor credible media sources for accurate information on current

threats and violent activity.

The United States Embassy recommends that travel outside of daylight

hours, especially in Level 3 or 4 areas, be limited to essential or
emergency movements

Also that travelers should monitor their flight status closely, you could
review the Travel Advisory and safety and security information for
Ecuador at Travel.State.Gov.

Quito, Ecuador.
Av. Eloy Alfaro y Av. Portugal
www.latam.expert

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 CONTACT
Ecuador Security:
Cell: +593 98 762 8410
Office: +593 2 292 3600
www.ecuadorsecurity.com
operations@ecuadorsecurity.com
Av. Eloy Alfaro N 35-144, Quito Ecuador

HELPS Latam:
Cell: +593 99 810 4457
www.latam.expert
admin@latam.expert
Argentina - Ecuador - Perú - Mexico - Chile
- Colombia - Brasil - Trinity and Tobago

Quito, Ecuador.
Av. Eloy Alfaro y Av. Portugal
www.latam.expert