Ecuadorian political situation

Ecuadorian president deploys military after murders

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has deployed the military to the streets of the country to curb the escalating murder statistics, Reuters reports.

Since January, 5,368 people have been murdered in the country, which is an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the same period last year.

Noboa has promised to combat gang violence and a series of new reforms have come into force, including tougher penalties for drug trafficking. And last month, a notorious gang leader, Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, was extradited to the United States where he is charged with drug and arms trafficking.

Murder rates are soaring – up 40 percent this year

The number of murders in Ecuador rose by 40 percent in the first seven months of this year, Reuters reports.

By the end of July, 5,268 people had been murdered in the country, the highest number in a decade. Most of those murdered were between 25 and 34 years old, and the majority were shot to death.

The dramatic increase is believed to be the result of an escalating conflict between rival gangs, primarily over control of the country's drug trade.