UPDATE: Correa speaks out after Ecuador coup defeated

The military has freed Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa and the attempted coup in Ecaudor against the elected government is over. Troops loyal to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa have freed him from the military hospital where he was previously held hostage by right-wing coup police.

Five troops were injured during the rescue operation but no soldier was killed. Thousands of people gathered in Quito in support of the president and against the coup. Once released, Correa addressed a large number of triumphant supporters gathered at the Plaza of Independence in Quito chanting: "El pueblo unido jamás... será vencido!" ("The people united will never be defeated!")

"What loyalty, what support! This will serve as an example for those who want to stop the revolution not through the ballot box but with weapons," said President Correa. Additionally, Ecuador's police commander General Freddy Martinez has now resigned.

About 50 people, including Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, were injured on Thursday during clashes between the rebel police and supporters of the Ecuadoran president. Support for Correa has been strong internationally and regionally, with the Organization of American States making a strong statement and heads of state of members of UNASUR had planned on travelling to Ecuador if necessary.

Hugo Chavez, the Venezulean president, described the unrest as "an effort to overthrow President Correa," adding that "together with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean we will be vigilant and standing in solidarity [with Correa] in this historic moment."
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign http://www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk/