|
In this aerial view, Revelers dance while covered in foam spray during Carnival celebrations on February 12, 2024 in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Violent crime has dropped nationwide, according to the government, in the month since Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a state of “internal armed conflict” to fight surging gang violence. National Police and armed forces have arrested more than 7,000 people around the country. The government has labeled 22 gangs in Ecuador as terrorist organizations. In Esmeraldas Province on Ecuador's Pacific coast authorities allowed official Carnival events to resume this year due to the improved security situation after having cancelled main events in recent years due to widespread drug-related violence, extortion and death threats to residents. The instability forced many people to move to safer parts of Ecuador or emigrate abroad, many to the United States. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
|
