Hostage Crisis Ends: Ecuador Prison Staff Freed Amid Civil Unrest

All Ecuador prison guards and staff held by inmates during nationwide unrest have been released, as reported by the country’s prison agency.

A total of 178 employees were taken hostage in five prisons amid civil unrest. The situation arose after President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency following reports of a notorious gang leader’s escape. Jose Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito,” linked to the Los Choneros gang with ties to the Sinaloa cartel, had escaped.

Over 3,000 police officers were mobilized to apprehend him. One prison guard lost his life during the unrest in El Oro prison.