Gang Gunfight in Ecuador Claims 12 Lives

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – At least 12 people were killed on Thursday as rival factions of an Ecuadorian drug trafficking gang engaged in a deadly gunfight in the port city of Guayaquil, officials confirmed.

The local police chief, Herbie Guamani, reported the death toll, while a police source stated that the clash involved opposing factions of Los Tigerones, one of the country’s most powerful criminal groups.

Ecuador, once known for its relative stability, is now home to an estimated 20 criminal organisations engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. The country of 18 million people finds itself trapped between Peru and Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producers, making it a key transit point for the global drug trade.

Rising Violence and Criminal Expansion

In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a sharp escalation in violence due to the growing influence of transnational drug cartels, which exploit its ports—such as Guayaquil—to smuggle cocaine to the United States and Europe.

The country’s homicide rate has surged dramatically, from six per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018 to a record 47 per 100,000 in 2023. Experts warn that criminal organisations are rapidly evolving, using illicit profits to expand their power and influence.

Guayaquil, the capital of Guayas province, is one of seven provinces where a state of emergency has been in effect for the past two months as authorities struggle to combat organised crime.

Government’s Response and International Assistance

Last month, President Daniel Noboa announced plans to seek support from international allies, including the possible deployment of special forces, to aid Ecuador in its fight against criminal gangs.

Despite government efforts, violence continues unabated as the country prepares for a crucial presidential runoff election on 13 April, where Noboa will face leftist candidate Luisa González.

A Widening Crisis

Ecuador’s deteriorating security situation has alarmed the international community. The surge in organised crime, prison riots, and attacks on law enforcement officials reflect the deepening crisis. Some analysts compare Ecuador’s current struggles to those faced by Mexico and Colombia in past decades, where drug cartels gained immense power, challenging state authority.

With the election approaching, security remains a dominant issue, and the outcome may determine the country’s strategy in its ongoing battle against gang-related violence.