Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has extended a state of emergency in the South American country by 30 days as his administration grapples with rising violence blamed on drug trafficking gangs. Noboa, the 36-year-old son of one of the country’s richest businessmen, has designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups. During the state of emergency, intentional homicides have been halved – falling from an average of 24 a day to 12 a day – the decree said. Fourteen alleged criminals have died during operations and 3,300 arms and 64.3 tonnes of drugs have been seized, it said. States of emergency were frequently used by Noboa’s predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, to try and tackle rising violence on the streets and in prisons, but to little effect.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald March 08, 2024 18:40 UTC