Anarchy in Ecuador ends, soldiers rescue President

Quito, Oct 1: The anarchy in Ecuador came to an end on Friday, Oct 1 as soldiers rushed to the rescue of President Rafael Correa, who was besieged by mutinous police.

The country plunged into a state of anarchy for a day when protests broke out against austerity laws passed by Congress on Wednesday, Sep 29.

Rebellious police officers blocked airports and roads, occupied the national assembly and besieged the president in a hospital after physically assaulting him on Thursday, Sep 30.

The unrest finally ended when soldiers stormed the hospital early on Friday, Oct 1 morning with automatic gunfire and stun grenades.

Two people were killed during the rescue of the president and dozens injured. Correa, however, was successfully restored to the presidential palace by the soldier.

"What loyalty, what support. This will serve as an example for those who want to stop the revolution not through the ballot box but with weapons," an emotional and euphoric president told the cheering crowd.

The austerity laws, which are part of of Correa's effort to cut costs and trim bureaucracy, put an end to the practice of giving medals and bonuses with each promotion.

OneIndia News