Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) asked Ukrainians to avoid travelling to Ecuador due to the riot. It also gave recommendations to citizens already in the state's territory.
What should Ukrainians who are currently in Ecuador do?
Due to the deterioration of the security situation in the Republic of Ecuador, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from trips to this country until the security situation stabilises.
MFA recommends to those Ukrainians who are already in the territory of Ecuador the following:
Avoid places of mass gathering of people; do not participate in demonstrations;
strictly adhere to security measures, comply with the legal requirements of law enforcement agencies, monitor notifications from local authorities about the further development of the situation;
do not leave the place of residence unless necessary;
always carry identification documents.
In the event of an emergency or a threat to life and health, the citizens of Ukraine should immediately contact the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Peru at phone number: +51 993 458 779, e-mail address: [email protected] or at 24-hour "hotline" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: +38 044 238 1588, e-mail address: [email protected].
What is known about the situation in Ecuador
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in the country. The reason for this was the prison escape by one of the most famous drug gang leaders in the country, Adolfo Macias.
The work of schools was restricted in Ecuador. Also, public gatherings and free movement were banned. Exceptions were made only for medical workers, civil servants, rescuers, police and other workers who ensure the country's vital activities.
The leader of the Los Choneros gang was serving a 34-year term in La Regional prison for drug trafficking and murder. The escape happened on the same day when the gang leader was to be transferred to a high-security prison in the city of Guayaquil.
After that, masked armed men stormed the studio of the local TV channel TC Television in the city of Guayaquil. The hosts were taken hostage live.
It is known that the prisoners took more than a hundred prison guards hostage and threatened to kill them if the military entered the territory of the prisons.
The capture of hostages in other cities was also recorded. The attackers seized hospitals in Guayaquil, although the order had already been restored. Bandits are taking over police stations, schools, universities and even underground. People are taken hostage and kidnapped.
On the morning of January 10, mass media reported ten deaths as a result of riots by drug gangs.
