Quito, Ecuador – Gunmen opened fire on a group of people in the coastal city of Guayaquil, resulting in the death of eight individuals and injuring eight others, according to a statement released by the interior ministry. This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued the South American country in recent times.
The armed assailants arrived at the Guasmo neighborhood in a vehicle around 7 p.m. local time on Saturday. Eyewitnesses reported that they indiscriminately shot at a group of people, leading to the deaths of two victims at the scene. Six others succumbed to their injuries at a nearby health center due to the severity of their wounds.
Authorities have yet to attribute responsibility for the attack to any specific group or organization. This incident marks the second mass shooting within days in Ecuador, following the execution-style killing of five individuals who had been abducted by an armed gang in the province of Manabi. Police suspect the victims were caught up in a local drug-trafficking conflict.
In response to the escalating violence, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa addressed the ongoing challenges posed by narcoterrorism in the country through social media. The president affirmed that despite the attempts of violent groups to instill fear, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring public safety.
Ecuador, once a symbol of peace in Latin America, has witnessed a surge in violent incidents in recent years. To combat the rising crime rates, President Noboa declared a state of emergency earlier in the year, empowering security forces to undertake sustained operations in high-risk areas like Guayaquil.
The tragic killing of Brigitte Garcia, the 27-year-old mayor of a small town in Manabi, along with her colleague further underscores the threats facing Ecuadorian communities. Additionally, a prison riot in Guayaquil that left three inmates dead and four injured highlights the challenges of maintaining order within the country’s penal system.
Despite these efforts, Ecuador continues to grapple with a high rate of violent deaths, exceeding 40 per 100,000 inhabitants by the end of the previous year. The government’s ongoing struggle against organized crime and other security threats underscores the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ecuadorian citizens.