Ecuadorian Operations Free Eight Hostages, Arrest 64

Ecuador's National Government executed 26 operations across various provinces between July 20 and 26, 2026, as part of the "Libertad" strategy. These interventions aimed to dismantle kidnapping and extortion networks, resulting in the liberation of eight citizens and the apprehension of 64 individuals. The Ministry of the Interior and the National Police coordinated these actions to neutralize criminal structures threatening the freedom and assets of Ecuadorians.

The police operations focused on high-crime areas, spanning Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Esmeraldas, Pichincha, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. The campaign also extended to the Central Sierra, Northern Sierra, and the Amazon region. The strategic goal was to diminish the operational capacity of gangs involved in extortion and illegal detention.

Among the 64 arrested, 26 are reportedly linked to criminal organizations such as "Chone Killers," "Los Choneros," and "Los Lobos." The operations also successfully prevented a total of $444,595 from being extorted from citizens through threats and kidnappings. Specialized police units provided immediate medical assistance to the rescued victims, ensuring their well-being before reuniting them with their families.

Intelligence gathering and analysis continue, with authorities examining the financial movements, logistics, and support networks of the apprehended individuals. Evidence seized during the seven-day operation is undergoing forensic analysis to determine potential links to other criminal events in the country. The government emphasized that the fight against organized crime remains ongoing.