Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in five provinces due to an "internal armed conflict", reported Reuters, quoted by BTA .
This is the second time Noboa has declared a state of emergency over the security situation. Reuters notes that the Ecuadorian president took office in November promising to tackle security problems and rampant crime.
The measure applies to the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabí and Santa Elena and lasts for 60 days, Noboa said in a decree.
The police and armed forces will be deployed in the provinces because of the "need to conduct tactical combat operations against organized criminal groups", the document states.
According to the government, the violence in Ecuador is linked to criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking.