Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in five provinces through Executive Decree No. 250, within the framework of the persistence of an internal armed conflict. This marks the second time Ecuador has faced a state of emergency this year amid escalating violence throughout the country.

The official document has four Articles and aims to tackle the increase in hostilities and the need to execute tactical combat operations against organized armed groups. As a result, a state of emergency was declared in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabí and Santa Elena. According to Article 2 of the decree the declaration is valid for 60 days and provides for the mobilization and intervention of the Armed Forces and the National Police. Furthermore, the decree entails the suspension of the right to the inviolability of the home, enabling the Armed Forces and National Police to conduct inspections and raids, as well as the seizure of any materials or instruments relevant to neutralizing any future threats.

President Noboa had already declared a nationwide state of emergency for 60 days in January with Executive Decree No.110 following the escape of Adolfo Macías, leader of one of the most powerful gangs in the country. A day later Noboa officially recognized the existence of an “internal armed conflict” after gunmen stormed a TV station and took several hostages. The state of emergency was eventually extended for another 30 days in March. Earlier on April 22, the country approved several security proposals put forward by Noboa to combat the further increase of violence.

The country has been especially marked by escalating violence against public authorities. Recently, Mayor José Sánchez was murdered whilst jogging with his security team. Similarly, Mayor Brigitte Garcia was found shot dead in a car in March. As a result, 45 mayors across the country have requested police protection.