Coordinated Gang Violence Leads to 25 Deaths in Guayaquil, Ecuador

A series of gang-related attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has left at least 25 dead, with Mayor Álvarez attributing the violence to internal gang disputes. The attacks, carried out by armed assailants, particularly affect children and adolescents, raising fears among residents. This violence coincides with a state of emergency declared by the government in response to escalating gang threats throughout the country.

Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, experienced a tragic series of coordinated gang attacks resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals. These incidents occurred at approximately 3 p.m. local time and were attributed to internal conflicts within the Tiguerones gang, a local criminal organization, as stated by Ecuador’s National Police.

Mayor Aquiles Álvarez of Guayaquil reported that armed assailants, estimated at 20 and equipped with rifles and 9mm pistols, executed victims indiscriminately in the Nueva Prosperina district. Among the deceased, local media indicated that several were children and teenagers, while others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The current violent wave in Guayaquil raises significant concerns, as Mayor Álvarez noted the district has seen 180 violent deaths this year alone, amplifying fears among residents. The situation highlights the inadequacy of control over violence in the area.

This outbreak of violence aligns with a broader state of emergency in multiple provinces of Ecuador, declared by President Daniel Noboa in response to escalating gang activities. The emergency measures permit military involvement and curfews in neighborhoods afflicted by crime, a proactive response to organized criminal actions, including coordinated attacks and riots.

President Noboa has framed the struggle against criminal gangs as a “war” against terrorism, intensifying government efforts to stabilize troubled cities and reclaim control. Despite these measures, crime rates continue to climb, particularly related to drug trafficking gangs, exacerbating the security crisis in coastal regions such as Guayaquil.

The coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil have resulted in significant loss of life and highlight the severe issue of organized crime in Ecuador. With the presence of armed gangs and an alarming increase in violent deaths, the situation remains precarious. Despite emergency measures and military intervention, crime continues to escalate, prompting urgent calls for more effective crime control strategies and community safety initiatives.

Original Source: bnonews.com