Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa on Tuesday decreed a state of emergency in five coastal provinces because of "internal armed conflict".
The measure marks the second security-based emergency declaration by Noboa, who took office in November on promises to turn around a deteriorating security situation, opens new tab that has led to a spike in violent deaths and other crimes.
The measure for the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi and Santa Elena will last 60 days, the decree said.
The police and armed forces will be deployed in the provinces because of the "necessity of executing tactical combat operations against organized armed groups," the document added.
The government blames the violence - including the dramatic invasion of a television station and mass hostage-taking of prion guards in January - on drug trafficking gangs.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Considering the government blames drug trafficking gangs for violence, do you believe this justifies a state of emergency, or are there better ways to address it?
@9LZRQXCRepublican2wks2W
If it gets too out of hand and needs to be controlled immediately, then I believe a state of emergency is required. However, if it’s somewhat light or small, then maybe it’s best left in the hands of the police.
