The Ecuadorian Armed Forces and the Police Intelligence Unit take control of several sectors dominated by organized crime in what has become the epicenter of gang-related violence in the country as the government has launched a "war" against criminal groups since the beginning of the year. In Duran, near the southwestern coastal city of Guayaquil, nearly 50 officers break down doors and seize firearms, marijuana and pamphlets with information on extortion victims. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES