The world went into shock after multiple videos started to surface on social media showing Ecuador in turmoil after notorious drug kingpin Adolfo Macias escaped from a maximum security jail on Sunday. While Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a state of emergency, multiple masked gunmen stormed into Ecuador's TC station in Guayaquil and hijacked the channel during the live news broadcast. The masked and hooded gunmen carried hand grenades along with them and the sicarios held a shotgun on of the journalist's head on live television.
Now, Guayaqui TC station video is breaking the internet, and people are in shock over the violence happening after the escape of drug kingpin Adolfo Macias. In the viral Ecuador TC station video, shots could be heard as some of the gunmen told staff members to lie on the ground. Members of the group were also seen pointing at the cameras and shouting "no police", before the live feed was cut. Another gunman was reportedly heard saying, "We are on the air so that they know we do not play with the mafia".
What is happening in Ecuador?
After the gunmen stormed into the TV studio, specialised police units from both Quito and Guayaquil were quickly deployed to the scene. A few gunmen were arrested. Police commander Csar Zapata was quoted saying that officers seized guns and explosives carried by the gunmen. However, he didn't confirm how many people were arrested. The hijacking of a news channel has been termed a terrorist act.
Notably, after hijacking a news channel, the armed men also entered the University of Guayaquil, attempting to kidnap students, and Teodoro Maldonado Hospital, where they have been attempting to kidnap doctors.
Who is Adolfo Macias?
Talking about the drug kingpin Adolfo Macias, he is the leader of Los Choneros, an Ecuadorian gang with links to Mexico's infamous Sinaloa cartel. Adolfo Macias was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder. Authorities of Ecuador hold Adolfo Macias' gang Los Choneros responsible for the increase in violence over the last year - and oversaw the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Notably, Adolfo Macias's current whereabouts remain unclear, however, two prison guards have had charges filed against them following his escape.