During the raid in a mining area in the province of Azuay, two suspected kidnappers were taken into custody.
The kidnappings, according to the police, were carried out by the criminal group Los Lobos, also known as The Wolves.
In a previous announcement, the military said that 46 individuals had been saved and that five had died, four of them with their limbs severed.
Two persons connected to the kidnapping of 49 residents in mining areas were taken into custody, while two other civilians were freed, according to a statement from Ecuador’s police.
During the raid, firearms, ammo, and dynamite were also taken.
According to Ecuador’s army, during the rescue operation, more than 20 individuals opened fire on the soldiers.
It noted that no one had been harmed.
There have been a lot of violent crimes in Ecuador.
Several times, President Daniel Noboa has issued proclamations of emergency, allowing military personnel to monitor the streets and jails.
He classified 22 criminal gangs as terrorist organizations as well.
