At Least 25 Killed in Coordinated Gang Attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, at least 25 individuals have been killed in a series of coordinated gang attacks linked to internal disputes within the Tiguerones gang. Mayor Aquiles Álvarez condemned the violence, which has left the community in fear, stating that the district has seen significant violent fatalities this year. The attacks occur amid a state of emergency aimed at curtailing organized crime and violence across the country.

A series of coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, has resulted in at least 25 fatalities, as reported by local officials. The attacks occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday and have been attributed to conflicts among criminal organizations, particularly the Tiguerones gang, which has sparked violence in the region.

Guayaquil’s Mayor, Aquiles Álvarez, reported that 25 individuals were killed during these attacks, primarily in the Nueva Prosperina district. Eyewitness accounts described at least 20 armed assailants, equipped with rifles and 9mm pistols, who allegedly executed victims without hesitation.

The incident also involved several victims, including minors, who sustained gunshot injuries and have been hospitalized for treatment. Ecuador’s National Police noted that some individuals among the deceased and wounded had previous criminal records related to robbery, drug trafficking, and illegal possession of weapons.

Mayor Álvarez expressed deep concern regarding the situation, labeling Nueva Prosperina a battlefield where residents face constant fear and danger. He highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the area has experienced 180 violent deaths this year alone, illustrating a deteriorating environment of safety.

This violence has emerged during a state of emergency declared by President Daniel Noboa, who has termed the effort against organized crime as a war against terrorist groups. The government has increased military deployments and curfews to combat escalating violence, yet crime rates continue to rise, particularly in coastal cities like Guayaquil, which are heavily influenced by drug-trafficking gangs.

In conclusion, the coordinated attacks in Guayaquil illustrate the alarming escalation of gang violence in Ecuador, with the latest events resulting in significant casualties, including innocent victims. Despite governmental efforts to allay the violence through declarations of emergency and military intervention, the crime rate continues to rise, reflecting a challenging and ongoing struggle against organized crime.

Original Source: bnonews.com