Ecuador News

Government Minister Mónica Palencia confirmed Wednesday that the armed forces will remain on the streets and in the prisons after the state of emergency ends April 7. “Acts of violence, including murders, have dropped significantly as a result of the military assistance and our intention is to continue this progress,” she said. Last week, President...

With President Daniel Noboa’s referendum election less than two months away, political parties are making their positions known. On the “yes” side are Noboa’s National Democratic Action (ADN), the Social Democrats (PSC), Construye and Creating Opportunities (CREO). Supporting a “no” position are Citizens Revolution and Pachakutik. “We say yes to the extradition of criminals, to...

Prosecutors have formally charged six members of the Los Lobos gang with the August 2023 assassination of Fernando Villavicencio. Villavicencio, who was a candidate for president, was gunned down following a political rally August 9 in Quito. According to prosecutor Ana Hidalgo, Los Lobos leader Carlos Angulo, alias El Invisible, planned and ordered the murder...

President Daniel Noboa confirmed Monday he will run for reelection in February 2025. Earlier, he said he would “probably” run but was considering private business options as well. In an interview with CNN International, the president said the current 17-month term does not provide enough time to accomplish his objectives. “The cross death declaration means...

President Daniel Noboa said Saturday he plans to extend the state of emergency for thirty days, beginning March 8 when the current declaration ends. “We must add the additional 30 days since we still have problems to solve,” he said. “We have made excellent progress fighting crime and terrorism in the first six weeks of...

By Piedra Silva Orange-clad prisoners line up with military precision to exercise and sweep floors at an Ecuador prison where drug lords once enjoyed jacuzzis and nightclubs, and stashed drugs and weapons in the walls. The windows and walls of the Latacunga prison south of Quito are still pockmarked with bullet holes, the vestiges of...

By Emilee Coblentz A giant anaconda species thought to be the largest in the world has been captured deep in the Amazon of Ecuador by a team of scientists from The University of Queensland. The group of scientists, led by professor Bryan Fry, uncovered the nearly 10 million-year-old species with help from the indigenous Huaorani...