An explosion in Ecuador is seen as gangs asserting power after inmates take hostages and free some
Authorities say criminal groups in Ecuador used explosives to damage a bridge in Ecuador after prison inmates took dozens of law enforcement officers hostage less than two days earlier QUITO, Ecuador -- Criminal groups in Ecuador used explosives to damage a bridge in Ecuador on Friday, authorities said, demonstrating their grip on a South American country where prison inmates took dozens of law enforcement officers hostage less than two days earlier. Government officials described the violent acts as the response of criminal groups with a significant prison presence to inmate relocations, weapon seizures and other steps authorities took to try to regain control of several large correctional facilities. Four car bombs and three explosive devices went off across the country in less than 48 hours. The latest explosion with dynamite happened early Friday on a bridge linking two cities in the coastal province of El Oro, National Police commander Luis García told The Associated Press. Hours...