The attorney general’s office in Ecuador plans to file charges against 16 military members allegedly involved in the forced disappearance of four boys aged 11 to 15. Protests erupted in Quito and Guayaquil demanding justice after the minors went missing during a military operation related to President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a ‘war’ on gangs. The Defense Ministry confirmed that the personnel in question are Air Force members and have been detained for investigation. Families are pleading for answers regarding the fate of the children, who were reportedly detained under suspicion of theft.

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