5 tourists killed in case of mistaken identity in Ecuador while 9 shot dead is separate attack:
Attackers stormed a hotel and kidnapped six adults and a child, police said.
Ecuadoran Gangsters Mistakenly Abduct and Kill Tourists
According to officials, a group of Ecuadoran gangsters abducted, interrogated, and killed five tourists, mistakenly believing they were members of a rival drug gang. The incident occurred in the beach town of Ayampe in southern Ecuador. Around 20 attackers stormed a hotel and kidnapped six adults and a child. The abducted tourists, all Ecuadorans, were later found dead with gunshot wounds on a road. The assailants apparently mistook them for adversaries from a rival drug gang [1].
Separate Attack in Guayaquil
In a separate incident, gunmen attacked a group of people in the coastal city of Guayaquil, killing nine and injuring 10 others. The attack took place in the southern neighborhood of Guasmo. The armed group entered a pedestrian street and opened fire on the people who were practicing sports. The assailants fled the scene, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack [2].
Recent Surge in Violence in Ecuador
Ecuador, once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, has experienced a surge in violent attacks in recent years. In response to the escalating violence, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in January. The state of emergency allows for permanent operations by a security force composed of police and military personnel. Additionally, a five-hour curfew is in effect in high-incidence areas such as Guayaquil. The government has also deployed the military in the streets and taken control of the country's prisons, where gang riots have resulted in numerous deaths [3].
Conclusion
The abduction and killing of five tourists in Ecuador, as well as the separate attack in Guayaquil, highlight the increasing violence in the country. The authorities are working to track down the perpetrators and address the ongoing security challenges. President Noboa has emphasized the government's commitment to combating narcoterrorism and criminal gangs, stating that they will not succeed in intimidating the population [1].