Coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador, have resulted in at least 25 fatalities, primarily linked to conflicts within the Tiguerones gang. Mayor Aquiles Álvarez reported these attacks, describing them as a significant threat to public safety. The region remains under a state of emergency as the fight against organized crime intensifies.
A series of coordinated attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals as the nation grapples with a surge in gang violence. The National Police reported that the incidents occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday, attributed to conflicts within the Tiguerones gang over territorial control.
Mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, confirmed the violent nature of the attacks, noting that around 20 armed hitmen were involved in “executing people in cold blood” in the Nueva Prosperina district. Tragically, casualties included children and teenagers, and many victims are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
The mayor expressed concerns about the escalating violence, stating that Nueva Prosperina has become a battlefield and highlighted that there have been 180 violent deaths reported in the district this year alone, putting residents in a continual state of fear.
This violence coincides with a state of emergency in several provinces, declared by President Daniel Noboa in January in response to increasing crime rates. The state of emergency empowers military action and curfews in high-crime areas, especially following coordinated attacks and prison riots perpetrated by organized crime.
President Noboa refers to the nation’s battle against these criminal groups as a “war,” categorizing them as terrorist factions. The government has intensified efforts to combat organized crime, deploying military forces to regain control in cities severely affected by gang violence, particularly in coastal regions like Guayaquil.
In summary, the recent wave of gang violence in Guayaquil illustrates the escalating security crisis in Ecuador. With 25 individuals confirmed dead and a state of emergency in effect, the government’s declaration of a war against crime emphasizes an urgent need for decisive action against powerful drug-trafficking gangs. Despite these efforts, the violence continues to threaten the safety and stability of the communities involved.
Original Source: bnonews.com
