Bloodshed at Clandestine Event

A clandestine rooster fighting tournament in Ecuador devolved into a scene of carnage late Thursday night,leaving at least twelve dead,according to national police reports. The brutal attack occurred in a region straddling the provinces of Manabí and Santo Domingo of Los Tsáchilas, an area increasingly plagued by narco-violence.

Details of the Attack

Colonel Renan Miller Rivera reported that the assault unfolded shortly after midnight. Heavily armed individuals, some disguised in military-style uniforms, stormed the event and opened fire on the attendees. While the exact number of injured remains unclear, authorities confirm that several people sustained injuries during the attack.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight.

Colonel Renan Miller Rivera, Ecuadorian National Police

Assault Rifles and Military Disguises

Surveillance footage circulating on social media depicts at least five assailants entering the premises and unleashing a barrage of gunfire with assault rifles. The perpetrators’ use of military uniform replicas is a tactic frequently employed by criminal organizations to create confusion and facilitate targeted executions. This disturbing trend highlights the increasing sophistication and brazenness of criminal elements operating within Ecuador.

Ecuador Under Siege: A Nation Grappling with Narco-Violence

The province of Manabí is among the eight regions currently under a state of emergency declared by the Ecuadorian government. This measure is a response to the surge in violence fueled by powerful drug cartels. Ecuador has become a key transit point for cocaine produced in Colombia and Peru, destined for markets in the United States and Europe. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with the country now averaging approximately one murder per hour as the beginning of the year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat organized crime and restore stability.

According to recent reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), cocaine seizures in Ecuador have increased by over 300% in the past five years, indicating the growing importance of the country in the international drug trade.

The Broader Context: A Cocaine transit Zone

Ecuador’s geographical location between major cocaine-producing countries has made it a prime target for drug trafficking organizations. The country’s porous borders, coupled with corruption and weak law enforcement, have allowed cartels to operate with relative impunity. The resulting violence has had a devastating impact on Ecuadorian society, undermining public safety and eroding trust in government institutions.