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A shooting at a nightclub in rural Ecuador resulted in eight deaths and three injuries, the latest incident attributed to conflicts within organized crime.
### Why It Matters
Mass killings and high-profile violent incidents have plagued authorities and officials in Ecuador since 2023. That year saw an unprecedented wave of violence, with 8,008 homicides recorded – a rate of 47 per 100,000 inhabitants. This was a significant increase from the previous rate of 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020.
Ecuador’s homicide rate now surpasses those of Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras, making it the highest in South America. In response to this wave of violence, Executive Decree 111 was issued, declaring an “internal armed conflict” between 22 identified criminal groups operating in the country. These groups were labeled “terrorists,” justifying the use of military operations to neutralize them.
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El Salvador similarly utilized its military in 2022 to apprehend thousands of people and reduce its crime rate. However, Ecuador has not seen similar success, with violence remaining a rampant issue across the country.
### The Incident
The shooting occurred at a nightclub in Santa Lucia, Guayas province. Armed suspects arrived by motorcycle and two other vehicles before opening fire, resulting in eight deaths and three injuries. The victims were between 20 and 40 years old. Seven died on-site, while one succumbed to injuries after being transported to a hospital.
### Ongoing Issues
This incident adds to the numerous similar shootings that have occurred over recent months, mostly in four coastal provinces: El Oro, Guayas, Manabí, and Los Ríos. These areas remain under a state of emergency.
Authorities have reported that over 4,600 people have died in violent crimes this year – down from 7,000 killings in 2023 and just over 8,000 in 2022. The motive remains unclear but is speculated to be linked to transnational drug cartels expanding their operations into the Pacific region. Authorities believe that rival criminal groups are competing for control of drug-trafficking routes.
### Next Steps
Investigations into the nightclub shooting are ongoing, and no arrests or responsible groups have been identified as of the latest reports.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
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