Escalating Gang Violence in Guayaquil: A Tragic Toll of 25 Lives Lost

A series of coordinated gang attacks in Guayaquil, Ecuador, left at least 25 dead, with violence linked to internal disputes within the Tiguerones gang. Mayor Aquiles Álvarez reported that many victims were children and teenagers, highlighting the significance of the ongoing crisis of gang violence in the region. President Daniel Noboa’s state of emergency aims to combat this violence, yet crime rates continue to rise.

Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, experienced a series of coordinated gang attacks that resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 25 individuals. The attacks occurred around 3 p.m. local time, as confirmed by the National Police, who attributed the violence to power struggles within the Tiguerones gang. These assaults left not only adult victims but also children and teenagers, highlighting the alarming nature of the violence.

Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez stated that approximately 20 armed hitmen executed the attacks, leading to numerous injuries among residents, with victims receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at local hospitals. The mayor voiced concerns over public safety in the Nueva Prosperina district, where he described the area as a virtual battlefield, with 180 violent deaths recorded in the district this year alone.

The violence escalates amid a state of emergency declared in several provinces by President Daniel Noboa due to the ongoing gang warfare in the nation. This emergency measure allows military interventions and curfews in high-crime areas to curb the influence of organized groups, which have been implicated in attacks, riots, and kidnappings. President Noboa has emphasized the government’s commitment to combating these criminal organizations, labeling them as terrorist entities.

Despite intensified military efforts to reclaim control and restore order, violence persists, particularly in coastal cities like Guayaquil, where powerful drug-trafficking gangs continue to thrive. The country’s efforts reflect a broader crisis facing Ecuador as it grapples with rampant crime and insecurity.

In summary, Guayaquil has faced a devastating wave of violence, culminating in the deaths of at least 25 residents due to coordinated gang attacks. This tragedy underscores the severity of the gang violence crisis gripping Ecuador, prompting government action through military deployments and emergency measures. Nonetheless, the situation remains dire, particularly in regions afflicted by organized crime, suggesting that ongoing efforts will be critical in addressing this escalating problem.

Original Source: bnonews.com