Mica for cartelinsider.com
Terrifying Ordeal at TC Television in Guayaquil: A Shocking On-Air Invasion
On January 9, 2024, a chilling scene unfolded at TC Television in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Hooded men, armed and menacing, stormed the TV station’s facilities during a live broadcast, as captured by the local network’s cameras.
These masked assailants, who appeared to have taken several employees hostage in the main studio, declared their intentions on air, asserting, “We are on air so that they know that you don’t play with the mafia.” The situation escalated rapidly, with the intruders displaying not just firearms but explosives as well.
The terror peaked around 2:30 pm when detonations echoed through the studio, interrupting the news show. The panicked pleas of media workers, “Don’t shoot, please!” as reported by El Universo, filled the air. Following these harrowing moments, the broadcast signal was abruptly cut. The incident sent shockwaves through other media houses like Vistazo and Ecuavisa, prompting them to immediately secure their premises and evacuate staff, highlighting the pervasive fear and the impact of such a violent intrusion on journalism and public safety.
Escalating Chaos: Armed Invasion and Widespread Disruptions in Ecuador
As tensions in Ecuador escalated, a harrowing sequence of events unfolded on January 9, 2024. At approximately 14:18, armed intruders stormed the facilities of TC Television, placing explosives at strategic points. By 14:30, the harrowing sounds of gunshots and screams echoed, as reported by Ecuavisa.
The assailants brandished weapons and explosives, demanding microphones to broadcast their message. Amidst this chaos, a painful scream suggested injuries, and a tense moment ensued when José Luis Calderón was seen with dynamite in his jacket. By 2:34 pm, the studio lights went out, leading to a signal suspension at 2:39 pm as the attackers began their escape.
This incident occurred during a 60-day emergency state and curfew declared by President Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín. This measure, a response to severe internal unrest and the escape of “Fito,” the leader of Los Choneros, allowed for military deployment on streets and in prisons and a nightly curfew from 11 pm to 5 am.
Simultaneously, various emergencies emerged across the country, including the kidnapping of police officers in Quito and Machala. The National Police activated specialized units for these incidents, hoping none would remain unpunished. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces reported explosions at vehicles and gas stations, indicating a widespread disruption. In Quito, a burnt car with gas cylinders was found, and in Esmeraldas, a similar incident led to a gas station fire.
The National Police and Armed Forces were on high alert, patrolling conflict zones and responding to over 20 emergencies. Amidst these events, the governor of Azuay reported that 49 correctional officers and 12 kitchen staff were held hostage at the Turi prison in Cuenca. The situation in Ecuador had spiraled into a state of heightened insecurity, demanding immediate and robust responses from the national government and law enforcement agencies.
High-Profile Prison Break: Fabricio Colón Pico Escapes
On January 9, 2024, a dramatic prison escape unfolded in Riobamba, Ecuador’s central Andes. The Secretary of Attention to Persons Deprived of Liberty confirmed that Fabricio Colón Pico, a regional leader of the criminal gang Los Lobos, had escaped.
Pico, notorious for allegedly planning an attack on Attorney General Lady Diana Salazar Méndez’s life, had been detained just days earlier, on January 5, during a kidnapping investigation, as reported by the Police. This escape adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing security challenges in Ecuador.
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Mica
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