Russia condemns explosion of violence in Ecuador

MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned illegal actions of criminal organizations in Ecuador, where the president has declared an “internal armed conflict” after armed men interrupted a live television broadcast, one of several violent incidents across the country on Tuesday.

"We express our solidarity with the government and people of Ecuador, who faced a sharp intensification of the activities of criminal structures aimed at destabilizing the domestic political situation," Zakharova said in a statement on Wednesday.

She emphasized that Russia "strongly condemns the terrorist methods" used by armed groups, including hostage-taking.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to the victims of the bandit raids," she said.

Zakharova said she expects that Ecuadorian authorities will be able to cope with the situation "on their own, without interference from outside."

She urged Russian citizens to take into account the instability in the South American country while traveling, and those who are already in the country to avoid visiting public places.

The spokeswoman said the embassy in Ecuador had reported no casualties among Russian nationals as a result of the conflict.

Ecuadorian authorities announced on Wednesday a regime of "internal armed conflict" over riots rocking the country since Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, escaped from prison, where he was serving a 34-year sentence.

President Daniel Noboa has pledged to hit back at the rising crime, including gang control of prisons, kidnappings of police and bombings.