U.S. Has Advice for American Citizens in Ecuador

The U.S. Department of State released advisements for American citizens living or traveling in Ecuador after President Rafael Correa was tear-gassed in a confrontation with police angry over cuts to their benefits.

Soldiers Rescue Ecuador President from Hospital

The message to American citizens reads:

• The Embassy is advising U.S. citizens who find themselves at the airports to consider moving to a hotel if it is safe to travel; otherwise, they should stay at the airport. Both the Embassy in Quito and the Consulate in Guayaquil have made room reservations at local hotels for U.S. citizens who cannot fly out of Ecuador, or cannot return safely to their hotels.

• Due to road closures and street protests, the security situation
has degraded significantly. U.S. citizens present in Ecuador are advised to stay in their homes or current locations, if safe. U.S. citizens with immediate travel plans may be forced to suspend those plans until the situation improves.

• The Embassy is encouraging U.S. citizens to register via the
Departments website on travel.state.gov, so that they may keep abreast of developments through warden messages.

Soldiers firing concussion grenades and automatic weapons have rescued Ecuador's president from a hospital where he had been trapped by rebellious police for more than 12 hours.

President Rafael Correa appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace shortly afterward and addressed an adoring crowd.

He had been trapped in the hospital where he was treated after being tear-gassed earlier Thursday in a confrontation with hundreds of police angry over a law that would cut their benefits.

In the rescue mission, at least one soldier was seen hit by gunfire and tumbled down a small embankment.

Correa appeared to have been removed in a vehicle by soldiers.