Escalating Gang Violence Claims 25 Lives in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil result in 25 deaths, linked to the Tiguerones gang. Mayor reports concerning violence statistics, highlighting the area’s dire situation. Despite a state of emergency and military deployment, violence continues to escalate across Ecuador, with drug-related criminal activities on the rise.

Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, experienced a wave of organized gang violence resulting in at least 25 fatalities. The attacks occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday, linked to a feud within the Tiguerones gang. Guayaquil’s Mayor, Aquiles Álvarez, reported that armed hitmen executed victims, targeting residents in the Nueva Prosperina area. Tragically, among the deceased were children and teenagers, and many injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention.

Mayor Álvarez highlighted the alarming statistics of violent crime in the neighborhood, revealing that there have been 180 violent deaths in Nueva Prosperina this year alone. He described the situation, stating, “Nueva Prosperina is a battlefield, leaving the town’s residents defenseless and living in fear.” The violence adds pressure amid ongoing gang-related turmoil, and it follows President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a state of emergency in several provinces in January to combat escalating criminal activities.

The state of emergency allows for military intervention and curfews to address high crime areas, yet violence persists. Noboa has characterized the fight against gangs, which he termed terrorist groups, as a “war.” Despite military involvement to restore order and reclaim prisons, violent crime, especially related to drug trafficking, continues to rise across Ecuador, particularly in coastal cities like Guayaquil.

The coordinated attacks in Guayaquil highlight the severity of gang-related violence in Ecuador, underscoring the challenges authorities face in restoring order. The grim statistics and the targeting of civilians reflect a desperate situation that calls for effective intervention. The government’s declared “war” against gangs and the ongoing state of emergency illustrate the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate this growing crisis.

Original Source: bnonews.com