Casualties During Rescue Operative

During the military operative to rescue President Correa at least five people died, while fighting off the soldiers, informed the Ecuadorian Red Cross (CRE) today.

Spokesman of the group, Fernando Gandarillas indicated that the policemen died in the same hospital were the President was hostage. The officers died in the crossfire with an Elite Police group that supported Correa, and the military Armed Forces.

“Two police officers died after been transferred to the hospital of their institution”, commented Gandarillas, he also added that around 37 people were wounded during the crossfire between the armed group. Before the rescue, the Red Cross informed that during the uprising 50 people were injured by the tear gas shrapnel’s.

In a press conference, President Correa acknowledged the death of Corporal Froilán Jiménez, a GOE police officer that died while Correa was being evacuated. Ministry of Health, David Chiriboga pointed out that a total 197 wounded were attended in several health centres of Quito; 132 had minor injuries and 43 are in moderate condition, while 16 are in critical state and six are in intensive care.

The Red Cross informed they attended 88 emergency situations in all the country, 82 where in Quito. Correa informed the media that 27 wounded belonged to the Especial Forces. Among the deceased is Froilán Jiménez, officer Edwin Calderon, 29, died after been shot in the chest that caused him cardiac arrest, he passed away in the Hospital Eugenio Espejo. The crossfire also claimed the life of Juan Pablo Bolaños Fernandez, 24, an economy student of the Universidad Central de Quito; he was among the people that demanded President Correa liberation. The remained two haven’t been identified.

The government will investigate the military and policemen responsible for the uprising against democracy. Ministry of Justice, Jose Serrano assured that the party involved will be punished.