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An Ecuadorian journalist who was held at gunpoint live on air has told Sky News how his attackers threatened to kill him if police arrived.

Jose Luis Calderon said the masked gunmen also placed an improvised explosive in his jacket pocket during the terrifying ordeal at TC Television’s studios in Guayaquil on Tuesday night.

The incident took place after one of the country’s most notorious drug gang bosses escaped from prison, sparking Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa to declare a 60-day state of emergency.

In footage of the incident, which was broadcast live on the TC network, Mr Calderon was seen attempting to plead with the masked gunmen, one of whom pushed a gun to his neck.

“They kept on repeating, ‘if the police come in, we’ll kill you’,” he told Sky News.

“It was a really chaotic moment, but in that instant, I kept my calm. You’ve seen the pictures, I’m calm, looking as if I’m praying, asking them not to go too far.

“There was no explanation about what was happening at that moment.

“The news programme was on air and that’s why you were able to see the footage. You could see what was happening when they pointed a gun at me, they put an explosive in my jacket pocket.

“They were really unnerving moments, but at the same time, I managed to stay calm.”

Hooded gunmen have burst onto a live TV set in Ecuador.
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Pic: TC Television

Live television images broadcast on Tuesday showed hooded people inside Ecuador's TC television station in Guayaquil, some of whom were seen waving guns.
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Pic: TC Television

Mr Calderon said he was not initially on air at the time the masked gunmen burst into the studio, and first became aware that there was an issue when he heard people shouting.

He and two colleagues attempted to hide in a nearby bathroom.

“We were hidden in there for a few minutes,” he said.

“We managed to speak to our relatives and warn the police about what was happening without knowing the exact details of what was going on and who was behind it.”

He said the gunmen discovered where they were hiding and ordered them to come out.

“We saw that they were hooded men, with big military-type guns, pistols, revolvers, there was even a machete,” he said.

“They made threats constantly. My colleagues were touched inappropriately.

“They led us to the studio, which was still live on air. When we arrived, just metres away there were colleagues, people working for the channel who were on the floor, very worried, on their knees, and they took us hostage.”

Hooded man points a gun at Ecuadorian TV presenter Jose Luis Calderon. Pic: TC television station
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Hooded man points a gun at Ecuadorian TV presenter Jose Luis Calderon. Pic: TC Television

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Mr Calderon said at one point a gunman shouted to say that they “had to kill one” of the hostages.

“People were very worried. In my case, I’ve been a journalist for 23 years, including in the field.

“I’ve covered events like this, and I’ve seen tragic events – but I’ve never been part of one.”

Mr Calderon said the gunmen, who he described as a group of “armed kids”, wanted him to communicate a message on the television, but it was not clear what they wanted him to say.

He said when police arrived and began shooting, the group dispersed and were eventually captured by police.

People accused of invading and taking over television station TC with weapons and forcing staff to lie and sit down, lie handcuffed on the floor in a police handout, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, January 9, 2024. Ecuadorean Police/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
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Ecuador’s national police service shared images of people detained by officers following the incident

People accused of invading and taking over television station TC with weapons and forcing staff to lie and sit down, lie handcuffed on the floor in a police haundout, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, January 9, 2024. Ecuadorean Police/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

“We’re grateful that we’re alive. This is completely unheard of, for this sort of thing to happen on TV, for someone to threaten us on our property,” Mr Calderon said.

“The message that they wanted to send was just chaos. Here we are to impose ourselves above the law.”

Mr Calderon said that despite the incident – which he described as a “terrorist attack” – the people of Ecuador should keep “faith in the work” of the armed forces and police.

“There’s fear that another situation like this could happen. We’re hoping for action to be taken to guarantee our safety,” he said.

“My life was at risk, as well as my colleagues. I’ve never seen a situation like this.

“But we should have faith in the work of the armed forces. The police and the armed forces are in a position that allows them to take action against any situation.”

Following the incident, Ecuador’s attorney general’s office said 13 people had been arrested for breaking into the studio and were set to be charged with terrorism offences.

The charge holds a penalty of up to 13 years in prison under Ecuadorian law, if convicted.

Members of military stand guard near the Presidential Palace (Palacio de Carondelet), following the disappearance of Jose Adolfo Macias, alias 'Fito', leader of the Los Choneros criminal group, in Quito, Ecuador, January 9, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
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Members of military stand guard near the Presidential Palace after the declaration of a state of emergency

A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

National police commander Cesar Zapata told the TV channel Teleamazonas that officers seized a number of guns and explosives at the scene.

The incident took place a day after Mr Noboa, the son of one of Ecuador’s richest men, who took office in November promising to stem a wave of drug-related violence on the streets and in prisons, declared a state of emergency.

The declaration was made after drug lord, Adolfo Macias – also known as Fito – was reported missing from his cell on Sunday.

The leader of the Los Choneros gang was serving a 34-year sentence in La Regional prison for drug trafficking and murder.

The leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, alias 'Fito' Pic: Ecuadorean Armed Forces
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The leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, alias ‘Fito’. Pic: Ecuadorean Armed Forces

His reported escape occurred on the same day he was scheduled to be transferred to a maximum security facility in the city of Guayaquil.

Ecuador‘s prosecutors have filed charges against two prison guards as part of their investigation into the alleged escape.

Los Choneros is one of the gangs authorities consider responsible for a spike in violence that reached new heights last year with the assassination of the presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Interview conducted by Andrew Connell, deputy foreign news editor.

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Shein investigates after likeness of accused killer Luigi Mangione used to model shirt on fashion giant’s website

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Shein investigates after likeness of accused killer Luigi Mangione used to model shirt on fashion giant's website

Fashion giant Shein has opened an investigation after a shirt was advertised on its site, modelled by a man bearing a striking resemblance to Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering a US healthcare chief executive.

The image with Mangione’s likeness, wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt, has since been taken down.

Shein, one of the world’s biggest fast fashion retailers, told Sky News: “The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery.

“We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform. We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies.”

The listing was taken down on Wednesday afternoon, according to reports.

As news of the image spread across social media on Tuesday, and ‘Luigi Mangione Shein’ reportedly began trending, many speculated that the picture had been created by AI or photo-shopped.

Some supporters of Mangione accused Shein of using his likeness, while his critics have also described using the photo as a new low.

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Mangione, 27, is facing trial for fatally shooting UnitedHealth’s insurance CEO, Brian Thompson, outside a New York City hotel in December.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.
Pic: UnitedHealth Group/AP
Image:
UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.
Pic: UnitedHealth Group/AP

Mr Thompson, 50, was shot dead as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where the company, the largest private health insurance firm in the US, was hosting an investor conference.

Mangione denies the state and federal charges against him, including first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism”, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of stalking and a firearms offence.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted, saying Mangione targeted Mr Thompson and that he “presents a future danger because he expressed an intent to target an entire industry, and rally political and social opposition to that industry, by engaging in an act of lethal violence”.

After the killing, Mangione was portrayed as a folk hero by some of those opposed to the US healthcare system.

Rallies took place outside court during his appearances and some supporters pledged funds to his defence.

Read more on Sky News:
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Shein, founded in China in 2012, has built its global reputation on inexpensive, fast-moving fashion trends that attract Gen Z and younger millennials. Its products are shipped to more than 100 countries.

In January, a senior company lawyer was unable to say if the company sells products containing cotton from Xinjiang, the region of China where it’s alleged members of the Uyghur ethnic group are forced to work against their will, accusations China denies.

Sky News has contacted Shein for comment.

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At least 15 killed after Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular derails

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At least 15 killed after Lisbon's iconic Gloria funicular derails

At least 15 people have been killed and 18 are injured after the iconic Gloria funicular in Lisbon derailed and crashed, emergency services have said.

Five of the injured are in a serious condition, the National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement.

Footage from the site showed the tram-like funicular, which is popular with tourists, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage.

Authorities would not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities, but said some foreign nationals were among the dead.

The UK Foreign Office has said it is in touch with authorities in Lisbon and is ready to “provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals”.

Lisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas has said there will be three days of mourning for the victims of the “tragic accident”.

He added: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the victims. Lisbon is in mourning.”

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It is not immediately clear what caused the crash which happened at around 6pm – the start of evening rush hour.

Eyewitnesses told local media that the funicular careered down the hill, apparently out of control.

Images show how the yellow and white carriage fell apart as a result of the crash.

Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

The Gloria, which can carry more than 40 people, is one of three funiculars in the Portuguese capital and is classified as a national monument.

It connects downtown Lisbon with the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto and is commonly used by both residents and tourists.

Two carriages attached to the same haulage cable run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred metres.

The second carriage was apparently undamaged, but footage aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently, with several passengers jumping out of its windows, when the other one derailed.

Emergency services at the scene. Pic: AP
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Emergency services at the scene. Pic: AP

Mr Moedas told the Portuguese news site Diario de Noticia: “It is a tragedy that has never happened in our city. The moment is for action and help. I thank you all for the response in a few minutes. The only thing I can say is that it is a very tragic day.”

It comes as Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has offered his condolences to families affected by the tragedy.

Meanwhile EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has written on X: “It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous ‘Elevador da Glória’. My condolences to the families of the victims.”

Portugal’s defence minister Nuno Melo said: “The accident in Lisbon with the Gloria elevator was a tragedy that caused strong commotion and consternation in Portugal and in the world… I express all my solidarity and offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

An investigation into the cause will begin once the rescue operation is over, the Portuguese government said in a statement.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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Nuclear power, cyber troops and robot wolves – China’s army of the future on full display

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Nuclear power, cyber troops and robot wolves - China's army of the future on full display

China’s status as a military superpower was on full display as Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Tens of thousands of troops, tanks and armoured vehicles moved through Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, along with a fearsome array of missiles. Fighter jets soared overhead.

While ostensibly a day to mark the decades since the end of the world’s biggest war, it’s clear that Xi Jinping was looking towards the future in the message he sent to the West.

“They want to advertise to the world that they’re doing old and new,” military analyst Michael Clarke told Sky News. “So they were showing the enormity of what they’ve got in in traditional terms, but also some of the new things.”

Indeed, the event featured many weapons and equipment that had never been seen in public before.

In this story, Sky News looks at what units and military hardware were on display in the Chinese capital.

Flags flutter as soldiers participate in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Pic: Reuters
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Flags flutter as soldiers participate in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Pic: Reuters

Land forces

Huge numbers of soldiers from various wings of China’s armed forces made up the bulk of the parade, marching in perfect lockstep in neat rows.

As well as the traditional elements from the army and navy, the procession also featured newer pieces like the cyberspace unit.

The new unit is in charge of cybersecurity defence measures, the Xinhua state news agency says, and also took part in live-fire drills.

Another new unit was the information support force, which was created in 2024 to build network information systems to support military combat readiness.

Tanks as part of the military parade
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Tanks as part of the military parade

Nuclear triad on display for the first time

Also rolling through the square were an array of missiles, including those that form China’s strategic nuclear capability.

For the first time, Beijing unveiled its nuclear triad of air, land and sea-based missiles.

This included the JL-1 air-based long-range missile, JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DF-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and the new type DF-31 land-based intercontinental missile.

The weapons are China’s strategic “ace” power to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and nation’s dignity, according to Xinhua.

China is one of four countries known to possess a nuclear triad, along with the US, Russia and India.

YJ-17 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Pic: Reuters
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YJ-17 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Pic: Reuters

Other missiles on display included hypersonic anti-ship missiles that China has previously tested against mockups of US aircraft carriers, such as the Yingji-19, Yingji-17 and Yingji-20.

“These are designed to frighten the United States,” Mr Clarke says, with reference to the Pacific Ocean where US warships patrol from their 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan.

Read more:
Analysis: President Xi’s message to the West
How China’s parade compares to other military spectacles

Drones and robot wolves

China also put a number of its unmanned weapon systems on display, evidence of the changing nature of modern warfare.

Arguably the most interesting were the so-called ‘robot wolves’.

'Robot wolves' carried on vehicles
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‘Robot wolves’ carried on vehicles

There were also underwater drones such as the AJX002, a long, black tube-shaped craft that looks like a narrow submarine with a rear propeller.

The military also showed off unmanned helicopters that are designed to be launched from ships.

Air-defence laser weapons that have been recently developed. Pic: Reuters
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Air-defence laser weapons that have been recently developed. Pic: Reuters

Like other militaries, China has also been developing laser weapons to defend against drone attacks – one of which was on display today as well.

As attack drones get more advanced – and numerous – a counter drive to develop cheaper ways of shooting them down is ongoing.

“The one that they kept under wraps was this laser gun,” Mr Clarke said. “It was all under tarpaulin in the rehearsals – and suddenly there it was. It was like a big searchlight on a vehicle.

“Laser guns, despite James Bond films, are not quite as ground-breaking as people think, but there it was: a new laser gun.”

Air force

Beijing has developed a number of advanced aircraft in recent years, and several of them were on display on Wednesday.

Soaring above the parade were China’s two fifth-generation fighter jets, the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35A.

J-16D, J-20, and J-35A fighter jets fly over Tiananmen Square. Pic: Reuters
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J-16D, J-20, and J-35A fighter jets fly over Tiananmen Square. Pic: Reuters

Both have stealth capabilities and are designed to try to rival the US air force’s F-35 jet.

China has two of the five fifth-generation fighter jets currently known to operate globally. The others are the American F-35 (also operated by the UK and other allies) and F-22, as well as the Russian Su-57.

China showing off its range – and numbers

“What they’re showing here is that they’ve got a full panoply of weapons systems,” Mr Clarke says, pointing to the various land, sea and air assets.

“Whether they can link them together in combined arms warfare, we don’t know, because they haven’t fought a major war since the 1950s… but on paper it’s extremely impressive.”

He added: “It’s not as big as the American military yet, but it certainly rivals it. And it certainly worries American military planners.”

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