Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has granted preemptive pardons to police and military personnel following an armed attack in Guayaquil that left 22 dead. The initiative intended to enable decisive action against escalating crime reflects Noboa’s hardline approach to security. Initial investigations link the attack to gang disputes, while authorities have conducted arrests in the aftermath. Noboa’s efforts to combat increasing violence face scrutiny and criticism.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has authorized preemptive pardons for police and military personnel responding to an armed assault that resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals in Guayaquil. In a post on X, Noboa emphasized the necessity for security forces to act without fear of potential consequences, stating, “Defend the country, I will defend you.” This is not the first occasion that Noboa, who has adopted a hardline stance on security, has extended pardons to security officials prior to any allegations of misconduct.
The tragic incident in Guayaquil occurred at three separate locations on Thursday afternoon, leading to at least 22 fatalities and six injuries, as confirmed by local authorities. Initial investigations indicate the attack was linked to disputes over profit-sharing among factions of the Los Tiguerones criminal organization. Reports further revealed that many among those killed or injured had prior criminal backgrounds, involving robbery and drug-related offenses.
In response to the violence, Ecuadorian authorities conducted raids on multiple residences overnight, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects and the seizure of firearms and ammunition, as announced by the Ministry of Defense. Guayaquil, as Ecuador’s largest city, has been severely impacted by a wave of drug-related violence, with nearly 2,000 homicides recorded in 2024 alone, according to government data.
Since taking office in 2023, President Noboa has actively sought to address Ecuador’s escalating security crisis through the declaration of several states of emergency and categorizing 22 criminal organizations as terrorist entities. However, these measures have drawn criticism from various human rights organizations both domestically and internationally. Noboa’s campaign for re-election this year is being conducted against a backdrop of instability exacerbated by the international drug trade, following a first voting round in which he did not achieve a majority. A runoff election will determine whether Ecuador continues with Noboa’s stringent policies or opts for a contrasting approach under leftist candidate Luisa González.
In summary, the response from President Noboa to recent violent events in Guayaquil signifies a race against time in addressing the escalating security dilemma in Ecuador. His decision to grant pardons is aimed at empowering security forces, although it raises concerns regarding accountability. The upcoming elections will be crucial in determining the future direction of the country’s security policies amidst ongoing drug-related violence.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
