Ecuador faces a surge in violence as a horrific mass shooting at La Clínica bar in El Empalme results in 17 casualties, including a child. The attack highlights the alarming rise in drug-related crime and its impact on the community.
Tragedy Strikes Ecuador as Gunmen Open Fire in Bar, Claiming 17 Lives
Tragedy Strikes Ecuador as Gunmen Open Fire in Bar, Claiming 17 Lives
A mass shooting at a bar in Ecuador has left 17 dead, including a 12-year-old boy, amidst escalating drug violence in the region.
In a shocking incident that underscores the escalating violence in Ecuador, gunmen attacked the La Clínica bar in El Empalme on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals, with a 12-year-old boy among the victims. The Ecuadorian attorney general's office confirmed that 14 more people sustained injuries during the brutal assault, which appears to be linked to the ongoing battle over drug trafficking routes.
Police Major Oscar Valencia reported that the attackers, arriving in two pickup trucks, indiscriminately opened fire using both pistols and rifles. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the gunmen shouted "active wolves," likely referencing a local gang involved in the drug trade. The chaos of the scene was evident, with images showing multiple bodies laid out on the streets, covered in white sheets.
One particularly tragic story emerged from the night: a young boy who attempted to flee the scene reportedly ran over a kilometer before succumbing to his injuries. Investigators recovered over 40 shell casings from the site of the shooting, illustrating the intensity of the attack.
This incident comes just a week after a similar shooting in the Guayas region, where nine individuals were killed while playing pool. Authorities classified those casualties as "collateral victims," underscoring the indiscriminate nature of violence linked to drug trafficking feuds.
The situation in Ecuador has deteriorated significantly over the past year, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare war on organized crime. Since this declaration, the homicide rate has surged, with an alarming count of 38 killings per 100,000 residents recorded in 2024. Official statistics indicate that the first five months of 2025 alone saw a staggering 4,051 homicides.
Ecuador also finds itself at the center of the global cocaine trade, with nearly 75% of the world's cocaine passing through its borders. As the country grapples with these challenges, the violence shows no signs of abating, leaving communities in fear and mourning.
