Ecuadorean troops stormed a hospital in Quito late Thursday and rescued President Rafael Correa, who was trapped inside for hours by renegade police protesting at government austerity measures.
Two policemen died in the violent end to a standoff that shook the South American nation and brought a torrent of international condemnation from the White House to Havana.
Witnesses said shooting continued at the hospital after the president had been rushed to safety in a convoy.
The drama began when dissident police attacked Correa during protests over proposed cuts to bonuses and a freezing of promotions. He took refuge in a nearby hospital and accused opponents of trying to topple him in a coup.
Though some soldiers joined the protests, the military top brass stayed loyal and Correa was rescued amid a blaze of gunfire shown live on television around the world.
"What loyalty, what support," an emotional Correa, 47, shouted after returning triumphantly to address cheering crowds from the balcony of his presidential palace in Quito, the capital.
"This will serve as an example for those who want to stop the revolution not through the ballot box but with weapons."
But there was no sign of popular support for the protests.
The local Red Cross said at least 88 people were injured during the day's unrest.
From ITN Newshttp://itn.co.uk/23f04f8487a727c14382bb0355a884cf.html
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