Ecuador’s National Police have opened a terrorism investigation after a journalist was wounded by an explosive device concealed in a USB thumb drive.
Authorities say journalist Lenin Artieda of Ecuavisa TV received a thumb drive in the mail, which exploded when he plugged it into his computer. The thumb drive was also accompanied by a letter threatening journalists. Artieda was lightly wounded with injuries to his hands and face.
Four other Ecuadorian media organizations were targeted by similar thumb drives sent to their offices, however, no other detonations or injuries were reported. Interior Minister Juan Zapata reported that all five devices were mailed from the town of Quimsaloma, however, no indication was given as to whether this was done by a single person or an organized group.
INFORMAMOS
Detalles sobre las diligencias investigativas de @PoliciaEcuador, ante atentados (artefactos explosivos) a medios de comunicación en #GYE.
EN VIVO?https://t.co/MsF8aeDjGe pic.twitter.com/EGdykKsKPr
— Policía Ecuador (@PoliciaEcuador) March 20, 2023
