ECUADOR: Soldiers Rescue President from Police Revolt
Amid volleys of gunfire and concussion grenade blasts, Ecuadorean armed forces Thursday night rescued President Rafael Correa from a hospital where he had been held for several hours against his will by police mutineers.
The rescue ended a 12-hour standoff between the government and dissident police officers who shoved Correa and threw tear gas canisters at him Thursday morning when he arrived at a north Quito police barracks to confront protesters upset over his veto of legislation that would have given police better benefits and salaries.
Overcome by gas and with an injured knee, Correa was taken to a nearby police hospital for treatment.
Police protesters followed him, surrounded the hospital and set off more tear gas, blocking government officials and Correa supporters from gaining access to the area.
Before his dramatic rescue by soldiers, Correa told a radio reporter that the protesting police had attempted a coup against his government. Los Angeles Times (1 October 2010)