Ecuador's Lasso approves civilian gun use to combat insecurity.

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso has authorized the carrying and use of guns by civilians, citing rising crime and insecurity in the country. The government will allow civilians to carry and use guns and cans of pepper spray for personal defense, in accordance with the requirements of law and regulations. The president also declared a state of emergency in several regions, including a curfew from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m.