Hello, and welcome to the Latin America Weekly newsletter! In this issue: The security crisis in Ecuador reaches new highs. Bolivia’s top court prevents Evo Morales from seeking another presidential term. And will Arévalo take office in Guatemala?
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Ecuador declares drug cartels to be “military targets”
Ecuador’s recently inaugurated government is already facing a massive crisis as the clash between drug cartels and state authorities reaches new levels. Gunmen stormed a Guayaquil television studio on Tuesday waving large weapons and explosives, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare an “internal armed conflict” against organized crime groups.
Driving the news. President Noboa listed 22 cartels that will now be considered “terrorist organizations,” while Armed Forces chief Jaime Vela said that all terrorist groups would now be considered military targets.
👉 Why it matters. Analysts go as far as saying the decree could put Ecuador on the brink of a civil war. It orders security forces to “neutralize” criminal groups wreaking havoc across the country, giving them freedom to deploy military operations and...