Prosecutor Leading Investigation into Attack on Ecuadorian TV Network Assassinated
In a shocking turn of events, an Ecuadorean prosecutor, Cesar Suarez, who was leading an investigation into an attack on a local TV network, was assassinated on Wednesday in Guayaquil. The city, known for its high levels of violence, became the backdrop for this tragic incident. Ecuador’s Attorney General, Diana Salazar, confirmed the news and expressed her determination to continue the fight against organized crime.
Suarez, a prosecutor for the Guayas province, focused on investigating organized transnational crime. According to CNN affiliate Ecuavisa, he was leading the investigation into the storming of local network TC Television by armed men while it was broadcasting live on January 9. The attack sent shockwaves through the country and prompted President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency.
“I am going to be emphatic, the organized criminal groups, criminals, terrorists will not stop our commitment to the Ecuadorian society,” stated Attorney General Salazar in a video posted on social media. She added that this tragic event only strengthens their resolve to pursue justice in Ecuador.
The attack on TC Television occurred amidst a series of other unsettling events in the country. Explosions, police kidnappings, and prison disturbances had already created a sense of chaos and instability. These incidents were further exacerbated by the alleged escape of notorious gang leader Adolfo “Fito” Macias from a prison in Guayaquil.
Fito is the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most feared gangs. This gang is notorious for its involvement in maritime drug trafficking to Mexico and the United States. Authorities have also linked Los Choneros to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and the Oliver Sinisterra Front in Colombia. The attack on TC Television prompted President Noboa to declare an “internal armed conflict” and order security forces to neutralize the criminal groups responsible for spreading extreme violence in the country.
In response to the escalating situation, Ecuadorian military and police forces have been deployed throughout Guayaquil. Their presence is aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safety of the citizens. The Ecuadorian Presidency released a statement confirming that the national police and armed forces have conducted over 20,000 operations against organized criminal groups since January 9, resulting in the arrest of nearly 2,000 individuals.
The statement also mentioned successful operations carried out by the Armed Forces, including the capture of six members of a terrorist organization in Guayaquil and seven members of another terrorist organization in Los Tiguerones. Among those arrested was “Leo,” the alleged leader of a network of hitmen. These operations will continue across all 24 provinces of Ecuador to guarantee the safety of its people.
The deteriorating security situation in Ecuador is primarily fueled by rival criminal organizations vying for control over drug trafficking routes. Situated between Peru and Colombia, two of the world’s largest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become a crucial transit point for cocaine destined for the United States and Europe. Its strategic location and dollarized economy make it an attractive hub for traffickers seeking to launder money.
As Ecuador grapples with these challenges, the assassination of Prosecutor Cesar Suarez serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those fighting against organized crime. However, it also highlights the unwavering determination of Ecuador’s justice system to bring criminals to justice and restore peace to the nation.
Contributors: Michael Rios and Hande Atay Alam (CNN)