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Over 10,000 people arrested in Ecuador since riots began in January

More than 126,000 law enforcement officers participated in operations to combat crime

HAVANA, February 26. /TASS/. Ecuador's police and armed forces have detained more than 10,000 people suspected of taking part in armed riots triggered by prison riots in early January, the press service of the National Police of Ecuador reported.

"From January 9 to February 25, 10,134 people were arrested, 268 of them on suspicion of terrorism," the press service said on its X page.

More than 126,000 law enforcement officers participated in operations to combat crime. They seized about 3,000 firearms, almost 20,000 explosive devices and more than 64 tons of drugs. The number of police officers and prison guards freed from hostage exceeded 210.

The security situation in Ecuador escalated on January 7 after the leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, nicknamed Fito, escaped from prison. This was followed by riots in several prisons. On January 8, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in the country and imposed a curfew. The curfew was later lifted in 160 of the country's 221 cantons.

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