‘Criminals have no schedule!’ – Businesses forced to close earlier as Noboa imposes curfew in Ecuador

“Armed soldiers and police officers were seen patrolling the streets of Duran on Friday after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa imposed curfews in several regions to tackle rising crime. Footage shows business owners closing shops and clearing out food stalls after sunset. Meanwhile, security forces are seen searching cars, guarding streets and ordering locals to return to their homes. “We have to be honest and fair about this. A curfew will not stop crime. Criminals have no agenda to kill or steal. This can happen at any time,” said one Duran resident. “This is not the first curfew, and the same thing always happens. “A curfew is not going to solve or change anything, and I think everyone knows that,” he continued. Noboa’s curfews went into effect on Thursday and will be in effect daily from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time (03:00 to 10:00 GMT). The measures apply to 20 cantons and parishes in Ecuador, including the provinces of Azuay, Guayas, Los Rios and Orellana. By 2023, Duran is expected to have the highest murder rate in the world, with 148 registered cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Drug gangs are believed to be more active in the city due to its proximity to the ports of Guayaquil and Posorja. In January, President Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” against 22 criminal gangs and declared a state of emergency, deploying the army across the country.