Ecuador: new government crackdown on organised crime

Over 250 people were arrested in Ecuador on the first day of the night-time curfew imposed by the government as part of a new crackdown on organised crime. The Ministry of the Interior announced this, stating that most of the 253 people detained are accused of breaching the curfew or illegally carrying weapons. The measure, in force for two weeks between 11 pm and 5 am, mainly affects the coastal provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and El Oro, which are among those hardest hit by violence linked to drug trafficking, extortion and contract killings. During joint police and army operations, an alleged leader of a hit squad operating in several provinces was also arrested. The authorities have also destroyed three weapons depots considered military targets. The government has deployed around 75,000 troops to strengthen security checks, with support from the United States in the exchange of information and the fight against criminal organisations.