Ecuador prosecutor murdered by gang, two arrested

Ecuador is reeling from a wave of violence, with President Daniel Noboa declaring 22 gangs "terrorist" groups and declaring a 60-day state of emergency.

Soldiers carry out a raid at the Zonal 8 prison, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, January 18, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

Several incidents have occurred this month including an attack by armed gunmen on a Chinese television station, the arrest of more than 200 prison staff and the kidnapping of police officers.

Widespread crackdown by security forces has resulted in nearly 2,000 arrests since last week.

Prosecutor Suarez, who was focusing on pursuing transnational organized crime in Guayas province, was attacked by gunmen in two cars while driving north of Guayaquil, city police chief General Victor Herrera said at a news conference.

Mr Herrera said prosecutor Suarez was in charge of investigating the attack on the television station as well as cases related to corruption and drug trafficking.

"The hypothesis that the national police have put forward is that these criminals belong to the terrorist group ChoneKiller, the motive (of the crime) is still under investigation," Herrera said.

Ecuadorian bonds continued to rise on Thursday on views that the crisis could become a catalyst for policy action.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cong-to-vien-ecuador-bi-bang-dang-sat-hai-bat-giu-hai-nghi-pham-post281543.html