Ecuador declared a state of emergency amid a surge of violence after masked gunmen broke into a TV station and imprisoned gang leader Adolfo Macias escaped prison. Over 30 prison breaks occurred as Macias and another leader fled, with 100+ guards held hostage. The president authorized military patrols and designated drug gangs as terrorists during 60 days of curfew. Explosions, looting and attacks followed across Ecuador, marking a peak in violence likely tied to the government's plan for new high-security prisons. At least 8 have died as residents hurried for safety with shops and offices closed. Ecuador must control prisons and protect officials while combatting the escalating violence.
Armed men storm an Ecuador TV studio during a live broadcast as attacks in the country escalate
Gunmen in Ecuador storm TV studio in wave of violence
What to Know About the Chaos in Ecuador
Armed men hijack live TV broadcast as Ecuador rocked by attacks
