Ecuador erupts in 'civil war' with cartel, nationwide curfew instituted

Ecuador has erupted into a 'civil war' with cartel thugs after the president ordered the army onto the streets and declared a state of 'internal armed conflict'.

Crazed criminals have rampaged through the South American country's cities today after President Daniel Noboa, 36, ordered a state of emergency.

Hooded gangsters seized a state TV news studio today, while a university was attacked and jail guards reportedly executed by prisoners.

Ecuador has been rocked by a series of attacks including explosions and the abduction of several police officers after the government imposed a state of emergency in the wake of the escape of a powerful gang leader from prison.