Violence broke out in Ecuador after President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency for 60 days in response to the escape of drug gang leader, Adolfo Macias, from prison. The deteriorating security situation in the South American country led to a hostage situation in which all 178 prison officials were taken captive. However, the situation was diffused as the prisons authority announced on Saturday that all hostages have been freed.

According to the SNAI prisons authority, a total of 158 guards and 20 administrative staff members, who had been held captive since Monday, were released successfully. Within the past 24 hours, there were reports of violence in multiple prisons, resulting in the death of one guard and another being injured, as stated by the SNAI.

As a response to the escalating crisis, the army and the police launched raids on detention centers across six cities. Additionally, five inmates managed to escape from the Guayaquil prison complex on Friday. Amidst these events, President Noboa commended the armed forces, national police, and SNAI for their brave and professional work in securing the release of the prison guards and administrative staff.

The escape of Adolfo Macias triggered a series of incidents and attacks throughout Ecuador. President Noboa declared the state of emergency the day after Macias, the leader of the notorious Los Choneros criminal gang, went missing from prison, where he was serving a lengthy 34-year sentence.

Soon after the state of emergency was announced, Ecuador witnessed a wave of violent acts, including the holding of police officers hostage by gangsters and a disturbing intrusion by masked gunmen on a live broadcast of a public TV channel. Reports of explosions in various cities further added to the chaos and unrest.

Since taking office in November, President Noboa had vowed to restore peace in Ecuador, which has been plagued by high levels of violence. In an effort to combat the drug-related violence, authorities have made over 800 arrests thus far.

The situation remains tense as Ecuador grapples with the aftermath of the escape and subsequent violence. The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the government's determination to restore order and protect the safety and well-being of its citizens.