Military Ecuadorean president under police siege

[JBeukema]

Security forces loyal to Ecuador's president have stormed a hospital in the capital, Quito, where Rafael Correa was trapped by police officers protesting over plans to cut their benefits.

Twelve hours after police surrounded the hospital on Thursday, soldiers moved amid heavy gunfire and Correa was rushed out of the building.
Two policemen and a soldier were killed when the army moved in. At least 37 others were injured as Correa supporters skirmished with police outside the hospital.
Addressing supporters after his release, the president said the uprising was not a simple police insurrection over pay-related grievances but an attempt to overthrow him.
"There were lots of infiltrators, dressed as civilian and we know where they were from," he shouted from the balcony of the presidential palace.
Correa said those responsible for the rebellion would be punished.
"There will be no pardon," he said, as celebrating crowds waved flags and cheered.
Freddy Martinez, Ecuador's police chief, who was not involved in Thursday's protests, stepped down after failing to control his force and prevent the incident, Reuters news agency reported, citing a police spokesman.
"Last night he told me he had presented his resignation," the police spokesman said.

Troops free Ecuador president - Americas - Al Jazeera English