Ecuador ‘at war’ with drug gangs, says president as violence continues

Daniel Noboa designates nearly two dozen gangs as terrorist groups after wave of violence across country

Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, said on Wednesday that his country was “at war” with drug gangs who are holding more than 130 prison staff hostage and who briefly captured a TV station live on air, in a wave of violence that has left city streets deserted.

At least 10 people have been killed, including police officers, in the attacks.