At least 10 killed in Ecuador violence

QUITO — Ecuador's president gave orders on Tuesday to "neutralize" criminal gangs, after gunmen opened fire in a TV studio and bandits threatened random executions on a second day of terror in the country.

At least 10 people have been killed in a series of attacks blamed on gangs as the country exploded in what President Daniel Noboa called an "internal armed conflict".

He ordered military operations to "neutralize" criminal gangs after gangsters declared war following Sunday's prison escape of one of Ecuador's most powerful narco bosses.

Eight people were killed and three were wounded in attacks in the port city of Guayaquil, and two officers were "viciously murdered by armed criminals" in the nearby town of Nobol, police said on Tuesday evening.

After the escape of Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito", leader of Ecuador's biggest gang Los Choneros, Noboa on Monday declared a countrywide state of emergency and nightly curfew.

Gangs retaliated, taking police officers hostage and setting off explosions in several cities. On Tuesday, they stormed into a studio of state-owned TC Television in Guayaquil with guns and explosives.

Some 39 inmates broke out of a prison in Riobamba in Chimborazo province on Monday night.

Riobamba Mayor John Vinueza told local Pichincha radio station that the breakout occurred during a prison riot, where detonations of explosives were heard.

Authorities reported multiple explosions and cars set alight on Tuesday, including in the capital Quito, and said seven police officers had been kidnapped.

A video circulating on social media showed three of the kidnapped officers sitting on the ground with a gun pointed at them as one was forced to read a statement addressed to Noboa.

"You declared war, you will get war," the visibly terrified officer read.

There was panic on the streets, with shops and businesses in various cities closing early and residents rushing home as face-to-face classes were suspended nationwide until Friday.

Brian Nichols, top US diplomat for Latin America, said Washington was "extremely concerned" by the violence and kidnappings, and pledged to provide assistance and "remain in close contact "with Noboa's team.

Peru on Tuesday put its border with Ecuador under a state of emergency.

Chile, Colombia and Brazil sent messages of support for Noboa on Tuesday.

The Chinese embassy and consulates general in Ecuador will be temporarily closed from Wednesday until further notice, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China "supports the government of Ecuador in its efforts to safeguard social stability and hopes that Ecuador will soon restore normal order".

"We have not received any reports of casualties of Chinese citizens in Ecuador," she added.

Agencies - Xinhua