Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons to police and military following a violent attack in Guayaquil, resulting in 22 deaths. The attack is linked to gang disputes, prompting urgent law enforcement actions. Noboa’s measures aim to combat escalating drug-related violence amidst an upcoming election that may decide his future in office.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has authorized preemptive pardons for police and military personnel following a recent armed attack in Guayaquil, which resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals on Thursday. In a post on X, President Noboa emphasized the necessity for security forces to act without fear of repercussions, stating, “We need you to act decisively and without fear of reprisal. Defend the country, I will defend you.” This is not the first instance of such pardons by President Noboa, who has previously extended similar protections to security officers fighting crime in Ecuador.
The brutal attack took place in three locations throughout Guayaquil and also resulted in six injuries. Preliminary police reports suggest that the violence was linked to a profit-sharing dispute among factions of the Los Tiguerones gang. Authorities noted that several of those impacted had criminal histories involving robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons possession.
In a response to the incident, Ecuadorian authorities conducted raids on multiple homes, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals and the confiscation of weapons and ammunition, as announced by Ecuador’s Ministry of Defense on X. The assault highlights the worsening drug-related violence that has plagued Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, which saw nearly 2,000 homicides in 2024 alone.
Since his inauguration in 2023, President Noboa has aimed to address the escalating security crisis in Ecuador, declaring several states of emergency and classifying 22 criminal organizations as terrorist entities. These measures have drawn criticism from various human rights organizations both nationally and internationally. Noboa’s re-election campaign is framed against the backdrop of instability exacerbated by the international drug trade. Given his failure to obtain a majority in the initial round of elections, a second round will determine whether the electorate will continue to support his hardline strategies or gravitate towards leftist candidate Luisa González’s alternative vision.
In conclusion, President Daniel Noboa’s recent decision to offer pardons to police and military personnel following the tragic attack in Guayaquil underscores the government’s stringent stance against rising violence. This incident not only illustrates the ongoing challenges posed by drug-related crime in Ecuador but also reflects Noboa’s approach to national security amidst a contentious electoral climate. As the nation approaches a pivotal election, the electorate will have to choose between the current administration’s hardline methods or a different political direction.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
