Soldiers destroy criminal infrastructure in Orellano Province; ADN consolidates its power in the National Assembly; Whooping cough cases decline

The Army Command reports that soldiers have destroyed three camps used by criminal gangs in Orellana Province, in the area where 11 soldiers were killed last week. The Army said three buildings and a firing range were among the facilities that were dismantled and destroyed. Ammunition and several long rifles were also confiscated in the operation

In addition, the army said it seized heavy equipment, chemicals, fuel and “logistical resources” used in several illegal mining operations in the Alto Puno area.

The command said there were several “shooting engagements” with criminals but no casualties were reported.

A camp allegedly used by the Border Commandos in was destroyed Friday in Orellana Province in an army raid.

Minister of Interior John Reimberg said Saturday that “operations are intensifying” in Orellana Province where he says the Colombian-based Frontier Commandos are operating. “Since our men were murdered, we have carried out 17 operations and closed nine illegal mines,” he said.

He added that some of the earthmoving equipment seized at the illegal mines bear the logos of nearby local governments. “The Attorney General is investigating how this equipment ended up in the possession of criminals,” he said.

ADN consolidates power in National Assembly
President Daniel Noboa’s National Democratic Action (ADN) party has consolidated its authority in the new National Assembly, winning control of 12 of the 15 permanent committees. Two committees will have a Citizens Revolution majority while another will be headed by Pachakutik.

Last week ADN’s Niels Olsen was elected Assembly president while ADN also won control of the Legislative Administration Council (CAL), which determines legislation to be considered by the Assembly.

In the new Assembly, the ADN will control the powerful Justice, State Affairs, Economic and Taxation, and Economic Development committees.

On Sunday, Olsen cautioned that ADN’s majority is “very slim” in the 151-member Assembly and he will need to find common ground with the 66-member Citizens Revolution bloc on some key issues.

Whooping cough cases decline
The Ministry of Health reports that the whooping cough outbreak is in decline with only new 22 cases recorded last week. At its peak in mid-April more than 60 cases a week were being recorded weekly. Of the new cases, 17 were in Manabí Province while five were in Guayas Province.

In total, the ministry said 593 patients have been infected with whooping cough, more than 95% of them under the age of two.

The ministry also reports that no new cases of yellow fever have been diagnosed in the past two weeks.