(Daily Point) — Adolfo Macias, Ecuador’s most wanted criminal, escaped from prison on Sunday, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency. Over 3000 personnel have been deployed in the ongoing search operation.

In response to the prison break, President Daniel Noboa issued orders on Tuesday to “neutralize” criminal gangs after they declared war on the country. The situation escalated as the gangs retaliated by taking police officers hostage; 125 guards and 14 officers were reported as captives in five different cities, according to the National Prisons Agency (SNAI).

The unrest has resulted in at least 10 deaths across the country, with numerous injuries reported due to explosions in various cities. On Tuesday, armed gangs stormed the TC television building in Guayaquil.

Another significant development involves the escape of Fabricio Colon Pico, a gang leader and narco boss known as Los Lobos, who had been arrested last Friday for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Ecuador’s attorney general.

Unverified videos circulating on social media depict kidnappers holding hostages at gunpoint, with the captives reading statements to President Noboa, warning of retaliation for declaring war and a state of emergency.

In response, President Noboa pledged “not to negotiate with terrorists” and vowed to persist until peace is restored for all Ecuadorians.