Ecuador TV Studio Seized by Armed Gunmen: A Terrifying Act of Terrorism Unfolds Live
Masked assailants threaten staff and brandish explosives during a shocking takeover, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals on terrorism charges.
In a shocking turn of events, masked gunmen stormed the premises of TC Television in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during a live broadcast on Tuesday, instigating an alarming act of terrorism. The armed assailants pointed their weapons at terrified staff, taking them hostage for approximately 15 minutes before the broadcast signal was abruptly cut.
Harrowing video footage circulating on social media captured the assailants approaching a pleading staff member, who, with folded hands, implored them to deescalate the situation. Several armed men, however, forced him to the ground, while other employees behind him appeared to be held hostage.
The gunmen, heard shouting in Spanish, brandished what they claimed to be bombs in front of the still-rolling cameras. In a distressing moment, one of the assailants placed what appeared to be a dynamite stick in the front jacket pocket of the subdued staffer.
Ecuador’s police commander, César Zapata, confirmed the subsequent arrest of the 13 masked gunmen, who are now facing charges of terrorism. Remarkably, no casualties were reported during the incident.
“This is an act that should be considered as a terrorist act,” stated Zapata, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Alina Manrique, the head of news for TC Television, described her harrowing experience as one of the gunmen pointed a gun at her head, forcing her to the floor. “I am still in shock,” she expressed, contemplating the aftermath.
This disturbing incident follows a series of attacks in Ecuador, sparked by the escape of notorious gang leader Adolfo Macías, also known as “Fito,” from prison. President Daniel Noboa declared a national state of emergency, introducing stringent measures such as a 60-day suspension of rights, military mobilization in designated areas, and a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
In response to the TV station attack, President Noboa issued a decree designating 20 drug trafficking gangs as terrorist groups, authorizing the military to “neutralize” them within international humanitarian law boundaries. The wave of attacks, including explosions, vehicle arson, and police officer kidnappings, remains a pressing concern for Ecuadorian authorities in the wake of these turbulent events.
