Law enforcement agencies in Ecuador conducted a range of operations across four provinces under curfew from 11:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, to 5:00 AM on Sunday, March 22. The operations, which included interventions by security forces made up of military personnel and police, aimed to disrupt the criminal activities of organized gangs and address their illicit economies. Specific raids were executed in key areas to identify irregular activities, while checkpoints were established to ensure compliance with the curfew.

In Guayaquil, for example, police units from the Pascuales and 9 de Octubre districts carried out preventive checks in the streets to examine vehicles and their occupants, increasing public security measures during the restrictive hours. The curfew, which is scheduled to remain in effect until the end of March, primarily impacts the provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. As reported by the police, a total of 148 individuals were apprehended by 6:00 AM across the four provinces.

This ongoing curfew and the military-police operations come in response to rising concerns over criminal gang activities within these regions. The combination of lockdown measures and increased police presence is designed not only to maintain order but also to address broader security challenges posed by organized crime. The significance of these interventions reflects the government’s efforts to combat crime and restore safety in areas heavily affected by violence.