In a dramatic escalation of violence in Ecuador, at least four police officers have been kidnapped, and explosions have occurred in several cities. This comes just a day after President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in an attempt to combat the growing wave of violence that has plagued the country.

President Noboa, who took office in November with promises to address the struggling economy and curb violence, declared a 60-day state of emergency on Monday. The measure authorizes military patrols, including in prisons, and imposes a national nighttime curfew.

Details surrounding the officers' disappearances remain scarce. Three police officers working the night shift were abducted from their station in the southern city of Machala, while another officer went missing in Quito at the hands of three individuals.

Authorities have released a chilling video circulating on social media that depicts the kidnapped officers sitting on the ground with a gun pointed at them. One of the officers is forced to read a statement addressed to President Noboa, warning of further violence in response to the state of emergency.

President Noboa has firmly stated that he will not negotiate with "terrorists," and the government has attributed recent prison violence to his plan of constructing a new high-security prison and transferring jailed gang leaders.

The Ecuadorian prisons agency has not provided any information about the guards who are being held hostage, adding to the mounting crisis. The country has witnessed an upsurge in violence in recent years as rival gangs, connected to Mexican and Colombian cartels, vie for power.

In addition to the kidnappings, explosions have rocked Ecuadorian cities. In the coastal town of Esmeraldas, an explosive device was thrown near a police station, and two vehicles were set on fire in different areas. Meanwhile, in Quito, a car was reportedly blown up, and an explosive device was detonated near a pedestrian bridge. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the capital city's municipal authority has requested heightened security measures due to the "unprecedented" crisis.

Drug-related violence continues to take a heavy toll on Ecuador. In 2020, the country witnessed over 7,800 homicides and the seizure of 220 tonnes of drugs, setting a new record. Furthermore, clashes between prisoners since February 2021 have resulted in the deaths of over 460 people.

As Ecuador grapples with the escalation of violence, President Noboa remains determined not to back down in the face of threats. The government vows to locate the kidnapped officers and bring the perpetrators to justice, as the nation struggles to restore peace and stability.