In a tragic incident that unfolded on Sunday night, gunmen stormed La Clínica bar in El Empalme, Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals, including a young boy. Current reports from the attorney general's office indicate that 14 more sustained injuries during this brutal attack.
Police Major Oscar Valencia detailed the events, revealing that the assailants, equipped with firearms, opened fire indiscriminately on the patrons. Eyewitness accounts suggest the perpetrators shouted "active wolves," potentially referencing a local gang known for its involvement in drug trafficking. Valencia also stated that the young victim had tragically run over a kilometer before succumbing to his injuries.
The aftermath of the assault left the streets littered with bodies, captured in distressing images circulated by local media. Authorities discovered over 40 pieces of ballistic evidence at the scene, underscoring the violent nature of the incident.
This attack is the latest in a string of violence within the Guayas region, long plagued by disputes among drug traffickers. Just a week prior, nine individuals were killed in a separate shooting at a local pool hall in Playas, further highlighting the region's ongoing struggle with crime.
President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a war against organized crime last year appears to have had little effect, as Ecuador's homicide rates soar, reaching alarming figures of 38 per 100,000 in 2024. Official statistics indicate that more than 4,000 homicides occurred within the first five months of 2025, driven significantly by the narcotics trade that sees Ecuador as a major transit point for cocaine globally.
Police Major Oscar Valencia detailed the events, revealing that the assailants, equipped with firearms, opened fire indiscriminately on the patrons. Eyewitness accounts suggest the perpetrators shouted "active wolves," potentially referencing a local gang known for its involvement in drug trafficking. Valencia also stated that the young victim had tragically run over a kilometer before succumbing to his injuries.
The aftermath of the assault left the streets littered with bodies, captured in distressing images circulated by local media. Authorities discovered over 40 pieces of ballistic evidence at the scene, underscoring the violent nature of the incident.
This attack is the latest in a string of violence within the Guayas region, long plagued by disputes among drug traffickers. Just a week prior, nine individuals were killed in a separate shooting at a local pool hall in Playas, further highlighting the region's ongoing struggle with crime.
President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a war against organized crime last year appears to have had little effect, as Ecuador's homicide rates soar, reaching alarming figures of 38 per 100,000 in 2024. Official statistics indicate that more than 4,000 homicides occurred within the first five months of 2025, driven significantly by the narcotics trade that sees Ecuador as a major transit point for cocaine globally.
