In a significant escalation of law enforcement efforts, a mega-police operation has been initiated early Wednesday morning across five provinces in Ecuador: Cotopaxi, Orellana, Santo Domingo, Manabí, and Los Ríos. This operation is part of an ongoing effort by the National Police to dismantle organized crime, specifically targeting a criminal structure associated with the gang known as 'Los Lobos.' The Interior Ministry has confirmed that this organized crime group has been involved in various violent incidents, including contract killings and other related crimes.

As the operation progresses, the authorities have reported multiple arrests, although exact figures and further details are still pending as the initiative is still in progress. The operation is part of a broader strategy by the Ecuadorian government to combat rising crime rates and enhance public safety across the country. The involvement of multiple provinces underscores the extensive reach of the Los Lobos group, necessitating a coordinated response from law enforcement.

The significance of this operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ecuador in addressing organized crime and the associated violence that has surged in recent years. With the Ministry of the Interior pledging to provide updates on the results of the operation, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in curtailing the activities of Los Lobos and restoring order in affected regions.