The Wire - January 9, 2024

this is the wire for 2230 Zulu January 9th 2024 precedences routine information cut off is 2130 bottom line up front civil conflict begins in Ecuador Secretary of Defense Austin continues hospitalization beginning with international events in South America in Ecuador president NOOA has declared a national state of emergency following cartel hostilities fighting broke out this morning following reports that the leader of the Los cheros cartel adult masas vamar has escaped prison combat has broken out in many locations throughout Ecuador as cartel gunmen launch assaults on civilian centers with the apparent goal of taking hostages so far fighting has been reported in wakil suena ambato and several other cities an assault was launched on the television studio in wakil with gunman taking the studio anchor hostage on live television explosions were reported in the vicinity of Fort Juan kavila in wakil as military forces began mobilizing to retake strategic locations through throughout Ecuador's largest city in suena prisoners at the T prison overpowered guards and have been holding them hostage for several hours several videos have been posted by Cartel Affiliated social media accounts confirming the execution of some hostages on the home front in Washington DC secretary defense Lloyd Austin's hospitalization continues with few details regarding his current condition however Pentagon officials have stated that Austin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which was the origin of the initial medical treatment according to the latest version of the story told by on officials this illness mandated elective surgery which resulted in complications and Austin's subsequent hospitalization anal commas for this wire as the statements by defense officials continue to change between press briefings and have contained outright lies it is hard to believe any details currently being stated by the Pentagon it is also unclear as to whom is currently carrying out the duties of Secretary of Defense as Austin is still hospitalized and has not been visually seen by the public since the beginning of this incident coupled with the tone of Pentagon statements indicating the Handover of Duties to to his Deputy being a temporary action it is possible that Austin still retains the duties of Secretary of Defense this concludes the wi4 2230 Zulu January 9th 2024