Ecuador: 17 Dead in Armed Attacks

Two armed attacks on civilians in Ecuador resulted in 17 deaths and 14 injuries, according to a recent police report. The attacks occurred in a coastal area, the epicenter of clashes between drug trafficking gangs.

Fifteen people were killed by gunfire outside a liquor store in the town of El Empalme. Two others were murdered nearby. Eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrators, shouting "Wolves in action!", opened fire. The phrase refers to the Los Lobos gang.

Police announced that 14 of the victims had no criminal record. A minor succumbed to his injuries. The prosecutor's office is investigating the massacre.

President Daniel Noboa has declared Ecuador in a state of "internal armed conflict" due to the escalation of violence. The homicide rate has increased significantly, reaching 38 per 100,000 in 2024.

A week ago, nine people were killed in a bar in General Villamil. Earlier, in the port of Manta, at least 20 people were murdered.

Source: AΠE-MΠE-AFP