Ecuador's president gave orders on Tuesday to "neutralize" criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio, as bandits threatened random executions on a second day of terror in the country. Gangs declared war on the government when President Daniel Noboa announced a state of emergency following the prison escape on Sunday of one of Ecuador's most powerful narco bosses. Noboa ordered military operations to "neutralize" criminal gangs, as the country exploded into what he called an "internal armed conflict." Long a peaceful haven sandwiched between top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years as rival gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. As violent gangs declare all-out war on the government, FRANCE 24 is joined by Colin Harding, Director of Latinform, and Veteran Journalist specialising in foreign affairs, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.
