Three killed, 50 injured in 'attempted coup' in Ecuador
Foreign Ministry advises Israelis living or traveling in the Quito area to stay indoors; avoid rallies, crowded areas.
Police demo Ecuador(photo credit: Associated Press)ByJPOST.COM STAFF, APThe Foreign Ministry issued a warning Thursday to Israelis traveling in Ecuador recommending that they remain indoors due to what loyalists of President Rafael Correa are calling an attempted coupThere has been no travel warning formally issued, but the ministry advises against it for now, and said that it is continuing to monitor the situation.RELATED:Egyptian police clamp down on anti-Mubarak protestsThe ministry is still unaware of the present status of Israelis currently in the South American country, but is working to establish contact with citizens affected by the riots.Hundreds of police angry over a law to cut their benefits plunged Ecuador into chaos Thursday, roughing up and tear-gassing the president, shutting down airports and blocking highways in a nationwide strike.Incensed officers shoved the president around, pelted him with water and doused him in tear gas when he tried to speak at a police barracks in the capital. Hours later, surrounded by rebel cops in a hospital, Correa declared himself "practically captive."Correa, 47, was hospitalized after being nearly asphyxiated by the tear gas.The government declared a state of siege, putting the military in charge of public order, suspending civil liberties and allowing soldiers to carry out searches without a warrant.The insurgent police took over police barracks in Quito, Guayaquil and other cities. Some set up roadblocks of burning tires, cutting off highway access to the capital.Some 800 police officers in Quito joined the protest, which appeared to have arisen spontaneously. The number of participants outside the capital was unclear. Ecuador has 40,000 police officers.The striking police were angered by a law passed by Congress on Wednesday that would end the practice of giving members of Ecuador's military and police medals and bonuses with each promotion. It would also extend from five to seven years the usual period required for a subsequent promotion.Air force troops shut down Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport as the protests began Thursday morning. Dozens of flights were canceled and it was unclear when international service would be restored to the Quito, Guayaquil and Manta airports.RECOMMENDED STORIESHow is Iran still launching missiles at Israel despite Israeli airstrikes?JUNE 16, 2025IDF pummels Tehran with heavy fire, 50 Israeli fighter jets take part in attacksJUNE 15, 2025A volcano ready to blow: Middle East erupts with Israeli strikes on IranJUNE 15, 2025Starlink operating in Iran, Elon Musk says, as Islamic regime shuts internet downJUNE 14, 2025Hot OpinionNow is the time for a unity government to provide clarity within the chaosByJPOST EDITORIALAs Iran vows our destruction, Israel unitesByYAIR LAPIDFive takeaways from the bomb shelter: Reflections on the Israel-Iran WarByDAVID BRINNIsrael strikes Iran: Strategic success or start of an uncertain future?BySUSAN HATTIS ROLEF