Guayaquil, Ecuador – An alarming wave of violence has swept through Ecuador, with a recent attack in the coastal city of Guayaquil leaving eight people dead and eight others wounded. The Interior Ministry reported that armed gunmen targeted a group of individuals in the southern neighborhood of Guasmo, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The assailants opened fire on the victims, with two dying at the scene and six succumbing to their injuries at a health center.
This disturbing incident follows a similar mass killing the day before in the province of Manabi, where five individuals, initially believed to be tourists, were found dead after being kidnapped by an armed gang. The police suspect the killings to be related to a local drug-trafficking dispute. Amid these troubling events, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa emphasized the ongoing battle against narcoterrorism and its allies, reassuring the public of the government’s commitment to combating such threats.
Ecuador, once known for its peaceful environment in Latin America, has witnessed a surge in violent attacks in recent years. The escalating violence prompted President Noboa to declare a state of emergency earlier in the year, leading to enhanced security operations by a joint force of police and military personnel, as well as the implementation of curfews in high-risk areas. Despite these measures, incidents like the killing of the mayor of a small town in Manabi underscore the persistent challenges facing the country.
In a separate event, a riot in a Guayaquil prison resulted in the deaths of three inmates and injuries to four others. These tragic occurrences have contributed to Ecuador exceeding a rate of 40 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, marking it as one of the most violent regions in the area. The government’s efforts to address the escalating violence highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Ecuador in maintaining law and order amidst these turbulent times.