Escalating Gang Violence in Ecuador: 25 Lives Lost in Guayaquil Attacks
At least 25 individuals have died in coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The violence is linked to internal disputes within the Tiguerones gang, resulting in the targeting of civilians, including children. Mayor Aquiles Álvarez pointed out the alarming rise in violent deaths in the region, as the government continues to combat gang-related issues amid a declared state of emergency.
In a tragic incident in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, at least 25 people have lost their lives in a series of coordinated gang attacks. The violence erupted on Thursday afternoon, attributed to an internal struggle within the Tiguerones gang, according to Ecuador’s National Police.
Guayaquil’s Mayor, Aquiles Álvarez, confirmed the fatalities, noting that approximately 20 armed hitmen executed individuals in multiple locations, particularly in the Nueva Prosperina district. Among the victims were children and teenagers, with several others sustaining serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.
The National Police revealed that some of the deceased and injured had prior criminal records, including robbery and drug trafficking. Mayor Álvarez highlighted that Nueva Prosperina is in turmoil, with 180 violent deaths reported in the district this year alone, indicating a dire deterioration of safety.
This outbreak of violence coincides with a state of emergency declared by President Daniel Noboa earlier this year due to escalating gang activity across the nation. This emergency state permits military presence and curfews in affected areas, aiming to restore order in regions like Guayaquil, where organized crime has been rampant.
President Noboa likened the ongoing struggle against gangs to warfare, characterizing them as terrorist organizations. Despite an intensified governmental response, encompassing military deployment to regain control of prisons and cities, violent crime continues to escalate, particularly in coastal urban areas afflicted by drug-trafficking syndicates.
The coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil illustrate the severe challenges Ecuador faces regarding gang violence, resulting in significant loss of life, including innocent children. Despite governmental efforts to combat organized crime through the imposition of emergency measures and military involvement, the violence persists, affecting communities and presenting ongoing security concerns.
Original Source: bnonews.com
