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Key Points

Gunmen killed at least eight people in Ecuador's violent port city of Guayaquil. Five of the victims were motorcycle taxi drivers attacked near an industrial zone. Police suspect the surge in violence is tied to seized weapons and drug cartels. President Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" earlier this year to combat organized crime.

Key Points: Eight Killed in Guayaquil Attack Amid Ecuador's Crime Surge

  • Attack occurred in Pascuales district near industrial zone
  • Five victims were motorcycle taxi drivers
  • Violence linked to recent seizure of assault rifles
  • Guayaquil under state of emergency since April
2 min read

At least eight killed in armed attack in Ecuador's Guayaquil

Gunmen kill eight in Guayaquil as Ecuador battles rising violence linked to drug cartels and organized crime.

"Eight people were killed by gunfire - Ecuador National Police"

Quito, June 11

At least eight people were shot dead in Ecuador's southwestern coastal city of Guayaquil, amid a surge in criminal violence, national police said.

The attack occurred in the Pascuales district on Tuesday, along the Daule highway. "Eight people were killed by gunfire," police said in a statement, adding that officers were deployed immediately to investigate and pursue those responsible.

Local media reported that the victims were gunned down in Guayaquil's industrial zone, near the Peca area and outside a municipal market, just as vendors were beginning their workday. Five of the victims were motorcycle taxi drivers, Xinhua news agency reported quoting local TV reports.

Police suggested the spike in violence may be linked to the recent seizure of four assault rifles over the weekend. Guayaquil, one of Ecuador's most dangerous cities, has seen a string of deadly attacks in recent days.

On Sunday, four men were killed in a home in Bastion Popular. On Monday, a married couple was shot dead after dropping off their children at school in the Mucho Lote neighbourhood. The city, capital of Guayas province, has been under a state of emergency since April due to what the government calls a "grave internal disturbance."

Ecuador has been battling a severe security crisis since President Daniel Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" in January 2024 against organised crime groups tied to drug trafficking.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is heartbreaking to read. While we have our own security challenges in India, it's shocking to see how drug cartels have taken over entire cities abroad. Ecuador needs strong action like our surgical strikes against terrorists. Hope they find a way to restore peace soon. 🙏
P
Priya M.
The situation in Ecuador reminds me of how Punjab suffered during the 80s. When organized crime takes root, ordinary people suffer the most. Those poor motorcycle taxi drivers were just trying to earn their daily bread. Makes me appreciate India's relative stability despite our challenges.
A
Arjun S.
This is why we need strong border security. These drug cartels operate globally and we must prevent their networks from spreading to India. Our agencies should study Ecuador's situation to strengthen our own anti-narcotics strategies.
S
Sunita R.
So sad to see innocent lives lost like this. The government should focus on creating jobs and opportunities for youth - that's the only long-term solution to prevent them from joining criminal gangs. India should also learn from this and invest more in skill development.
V
Vikram J.
While Ecuador's situation is terrible, we shouldn't forget our own problems with drug trafficking through neighboring countries. The Northeast states face similar challenges. Maybe India and Ecuador can share intelligence to fight this common enemy.
N
Neha P.
The part about the couple being killed after dropping kids at school is chilling. As a parent, this hits hard. We complain about small issues in India, but at least our children can go to school safely. My prayers for all affected families in Ecuador. 😢

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