In Quito on March 7th, infighting within a gang competing for control of territory in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, resulted in the deaths of nearly two dozen individuals, as reported by authorities on Friday.
According to local police chief Pablo Davila, clashes erupted in the northern neighborhood of Nueva Prosperina on Thursday, involving members of the criminal group Los Tiguerones. Davila stated, "Yesterday criminals killed each other in these certain parts of town. The problem is that they know each other, they know where they live, and they're fighting over who has power over that territory."
In response to the violence, the police initiated an operation, conducting approximately 200 searches and confiscating firearms and ammunition. Fourteen individuals, including two minors, were apprehended in the area.
Authorities noted that several of the deceased and detained had prior criminal records, involving charges from robbery to drug trafficking.
President Daniel Noboa's administration has intensified efforts in Ecuador's most violent areas, as part of the ongoing battle against drug-trafficking gangs.
The government has labeled Los Tiguerones and other gangs as terrorist organizations.
President Noboa, who is running for re-election in an upcoming April runoff vote, has pledged support for military and police intervention in response to the unrest in Guayaquil, ensuring that law enforcement will not face repercussions for taking decisive action.
"Defend the country, I will defend you," he communicated.