In response to a recent surge in gang violence, Ecuador's presidency confirmed that nearly 900 people have been arrested since Tuesday as part of a nationwide security operation. Out of the total arrests, the presidency identified 94 individuals as members of what they classify as "terrorist" groups.

The wave of violence in Ecuador began with the prison escape of Adolfo "Fito" Macías, a prominent drug lord, over the weekend. This escape triggered a series of events, including blasts, police kidnappings, and prison disturbances. In light of these incidents, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" on Tuesday, asserting that several criminal gangs responsible for the extreme violence needed to be "neutralized."

Noboa took additional measures to address the situation, designating 22 criminal gangs as "terrorist" organizations through a presidential decree. To further enhance national security, the Ecuadorian government announced on Thursday that foreign nationals entering the country from Colombia or Peru must provide a criminal record certificate. This measure aims to prevent the entry of individuals who pose a threat or risk to public safety.

President Noboa highlighted that a significant percentage of the foreign prisoners in Ecuador, around 90%, are from neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. These stringent security measures aim to address concerns about crime rates associated with foreign individuals.

Following Fito's escape and the subsequent declaration of a state of armed conflict, Ecuador's prison agency reported incidents in at least six prisons across different provinces on Sunday. In an act of defiance, criminal groups unleashed a series of violent attacks to demonstrate their strength and deter efforts to crack down on their illicit activities.

Ecuador, renowned for its picturesque Galapagos islands and tourist-friendly dollar economy, was once known as an "island of peace." However, nestled between two of the world's largest cocaine producers, Peru and Colombia, the country now faces the harsh reality of escalating gang violence.

The arrest of nearly 900 individuals in Ecuador reflects the government's commitment to restoring law and order amidst the recent surge in criminal activities. The ongoing security operation aims to disrupt the activities of these criminal gangs and bring a sense of stability back to the nation.