Ecuador Declares State of Emergency Amid Rising Violence

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in seven provinces and parts of another, citing a surge in violent crimes. This measure, effective for 60 days, follows Noboa's earlier declaration of war against criminal gangs, labeling 22 of them as terrorist groups.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa on Wednesday declared a new state of emergency in seven of the country's 24 provinces, as well as one area of a further province, citing a rise in the number of violent deaths and other crimes in those jurisdictions.

The measure will be in force for 60 days, according to a decree signed by Noboa, who in January declared Ecuador was at war and designated 22 criminal gangs as terrorist groups.