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Key Points

Gunmen dressed as soldiers opened fire in a pool hall in northwestern Ecuador, killing seven people and wounding three others. This marks the second mass shooting in a pool hall in Santo Domingo province within a month, following a similar attack on August 17th. Some of the victims had criminal records for drug trafficking, murder, and theft according to police reports. Ecuador is experiencing record violence with 4,619 homicides in the first half of 2025, a 47% increase from last year.

Key Points: Ecuador Pool Hall Shooting Kills Seven in Second Attack This Month

  • Attackers arrived in vehicle and shot indiscriminately at pool hall customers
  • Victims included individuals with criminal records for drug trafficking
  • Vehicle used by attackers was later found burned in another city
  • Ecuador recorded 4,619 homicides in first half of 2025, a 47% increase
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Seven killed in Ecuador's second pool hall shooting this month

Gunmen disguised as soldiers kill 7 in Ecuador pool hall shooting, marking second such attack in Santo Domingo province within a month amid rising violence.

"It was the second mass shooting in a pool hall in the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province in less than a month. - Police report"

Quito, Sep 13

Gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire inside a pool hall in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas in northwestern Ecuador, killing at least seven and wounding three others, local media reported.

The attackers arrived in a vehicle around 10:30 p.m. local time and shot indiscriminately at the customers in the pool hall located in the Nuevo Amanecer neighborhood, Xinhua news agency reported quoting local news outlet Primicias.

It was the second mass shooting in a pool hall in the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province in less than a month. On August 17, seven people were killed in a similar attack, police said.

One of those killed and two of the wounded in Friday's shooting had criminal records for drug trafficking, criminal association, murder and theft, according to a police report.

Images shared by local media show several men dressed in black, wearing vests and caps, arriving at the location and opening fire on people who immediately fell to the ground.

The vehicle allegedly used by the attackers was found burned in another part of the city, Benavides said.

Ecuador recorded 4,619 homicides in the first half of 2025, a 47 per cent jump from the same period last year and the highest six-month toll in its history, according to the Ecuadorian Organized Crime Observatory.

The country has stepped up its fight against drug trafficking gangs since Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of "internal armed conflict" in January 2024 due to an escalation of violence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Second attack in the same place within a month? This shows complete failure of law enforcement. The government needs to take stronger action against these drug cartels.
A
Arjun K
47% increase in homicides is terrifying. Makes me appreciate the relative safety we have in India despite our challenges. Prayers for the victims and their families.
M
Michael C
Disguised as soldiers? That's particularly disturbing. These criminals have no limits. The international community should help Ecuador combat this drug violence.
S
Sarah B
While the violence is unacceptable, the article mentions some victims had criminal records. Still, no one deserves to be executed like this. The cycle of violence needs to stop.
V
Vikram M
This is what happens when drug cartels take over a country. Ecuador needs to learn from countries that have successfully tackled organized crime. Strong political will is required.

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