They were equipped with firearms and explosives, and the ordeal was aired live before the feed was cut. The police dispatched special forces in response to the attack, which coincided with a surge in criminal activities including bombings, police kidnappings, and prison guard hostages.

These events followed President Daniel Noboa's declaration of a state of emergency after the notorious gang leader Adolfo Macías, known as Fito, escaped from prison.

Noboa, who took office vowing to combat violence, announced a two-month emergency period promising to restore order in prisons that have seen over 420 inmate deaths due to gang violence since 2021.

Despite these measures, the situation escalated with law enforcement officials being abducted and many prison guards taken hostage.

Macías, serving 34 years for serious crimes, remains influential in the underworld. Another gang leader, Fabricio Colón of Los Lobos, also escaped prison recently and is linked to high-profile crimes.

President Noboa refuses to negotiate with criminals and attributes the surge in prison violence to plans for a high-security facility and transferring gang leaders. He proposes a referendum for tougher crime-fighting initiatives, including asset seizure and longer sentences for criminals.