Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons for police and military in light of an armed attack in Guayaquil that killed at least 22 people. This incident, connected to gang violence, has prompted law enforcement raids and arrests. Noboa’s administration has faced criticism for its hardline approach to Ecuador’s escalating security crisis, particularly as the country navigates a turbulent election cycle.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has issued preemptive pardons for police and military personnel involved in addressing a violent attack that resulted in at least 22 fatalities in Guayaquil. Noboa stated, “We need you to act decisively and without fear of reprisal,” emphasizing his support for law enforcement in their efforts to safeguard the nation. This is not an isolated instance; Noboa has previously extended similar pardons to security forces combating crime in the country.
The tragic event in Guayaquil transpired across three locations on Thursday, also leaving six individuals injured, according to authorities. Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence stemmed from a profit-sharing conflict among different factions of the Los Tiguerones criminal gang. Reports revealed that many of the victims had criminal backgrounds related to robbery, drug trafficking, and armament possession.
In response to the incident, Ecuadorean authorities conducted several raids throughout the night and early morning, apprehending 14 suspects and confiscating weapons and ammunition, as reported by the Ministry of Defense. Guayaquil suffers severely from the national drug-fueled violence crisis, which saw approximately 2,000 homicides recorded in 2024 alone.
Since taking office in 2023, Noboa has endeavored to confront Ecuador’s escalating security challenges by declaring states of emergency and designating 22 criminal organizations as terrorist entities. These actions, however, have drawn criticism from various human rights organizations. The backdrop of the ongoing instability in Ecuador has framed Noboa’s re-election campaign, as he failed to achieve a majority in the first round of the recent elections, setting the stage for a decisive second round against leftist candidate Luisa González.
In conclusion, President Daniel Noboa’s offering of pardons to police and military personnel illustrates his stance on combating crime in Ecuador, particularly in response to the recent violent incident in Guayaquil. The government’s swift action to address gang-related violence highlights the severity of the ongoing security crisis, as well as the significant challenges facing Ecuador in maintaining law and order amidst a growing drug epidemic. Noboa’s measures, while aimed at bolstering security, have also attracted scrutiny from human rights advocates, making for a contentious political climate leading up to the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
