Widely depicted in recent years as a peaceful and stable country, Ecuador plunged into chaos after New Year’s Day, ignited by the disappearance from prison of Jose Adolfo Macías Villamar, the leader of Los Choneros, the country’s largest and most dangerous crime syndicate and drug cartel. President Daniel Noboa declared a “state of emergency” on January 8, after which armed gang members stormed a TV station, broadcasting to the entire country unprecedented threats and acts of violence. The situation quickly escalated to widespread prison riots, explosions, kidnappings, hostage-takings, and…
