Cars were searched, bus passengers were evacuated, motorcycles were seized and even films of cars were torn away. In searches for suspects in bomb attacks recorded in several cities and members of gangs considered “terrorist groups” by the government, the National Police of Ecuador reinforced security on the outskirts of Guayaquil, the country's largest city and one of the epicenters of the crisis. security experienced in recent days.
This Friday morning (12), CNN witnessed the evacuation of a bus by police officers, who searched the vehicle and checked passenger data in the municipality of Samborondón, 15 minutes from Guayaquil. Waiting for the end of the operation under a strong sun , ladies who were waiting to get back into the vehicle expressed that they felt safe with this type of operation, due to fear of further attacks.
“We got on the bus without knowing what was going to happen, we are still scared,” said one of them, who preferred not to be identified, but revealed that she felt calmer with the decrease in violent incidents in the last few hours.
During the operation, the police, supported by traffic agents, even removed insulation from the windows of stopped cars. Window tinting is only permitted for people with health problems, diplomats, judicial agents and other authorized professional categories.
Asked by CNN about the absence of police and military patrolling streets, and the presence restricted to vehicle checkpoints, the officer responsible for the operation stated that the deployment of troops is carried out in areas considered strategic.
“The law enforcement agencies are patrolling in strategic sectors where there is more conflict, which is why there is not as much presence in the commercial sector of the city. But public servants are present on the streets,” said National Police Lieutenant Jonathan Peñapié.
Despite the feeling of security it generates among part of the population, the operation also generates inconvenience. During the blitz, a young delivery man appeared disconsolate after having his motorcycle seized.
“I have all my papers in order, the bike is up to date. But I carry a copy of the documentation because of the rain, and they told me that I needed to have the originals. I think these operations are important, but this is unfair, I was left with no way to work”, said young Antony Fernández, 29 years old.
Source: CNN Brasil
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