As this publication reported earlier today, the Ecuadorian government claimed that 133 people were being held hostage across the country by criminal gangs. The Ecuadorian government has now claimed that 177 hostages have been freed across the country. The announcement reads below:
At 2100 EST security forces stormed the Tungurahau Prison and freed 13 prisoner security officials and secured the prison. Shortly after that operation, it seems that negotiations succeeded in convincing the other criminal groups to hand over the hostages.
#ÚltimaHora Las FF.AA y Policía Nacional han intervenido con éxito en el Centro de Privación de Libertad Tungurahua, retomando el control total. 13 agentes de seguridad penitenciaria han sido rescatados tras estar retenidos. ?? pic.twitter.com/Ovujz7SMoL
— Radio Universal Guayaquil (@UniversalGye) January 14, 2024
