A shocking act of violence unfolded in rural Ecuador when gunmen disguised in fake military uniforms stormed a cockfighting ring in the community of La Valencia, opening fire on spectators and killing 12 unarmed people. The attack, which took place on Thursday night, left several others wounded and sent dozens of attendees scrambling for cover beneath their seats as automatic gunfire erupted in the crowded arena. Security footage and videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as the assailants, dressed in imitation military attire, carried out their assault—a tactic frequently used by criminal gangs in the country.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation and apprehended four suspects believed to be affiliated with the organized crime group “Los R7”. Police operations in the aftermath of the attack led to the seizure of firearms, imitation police and military uniforms, and other tactical gear. The attackers are suspected to have targeted rival gang members present at the event, underscoring the deep entrenchment of organized crime in Ecuador’s ongoing battle for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes. The country, squeezed between the world’s top cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru, has become a major transit point for narcotics, with about 70% of the world’s cocaine passing through its ports.
This latest massacre highlights the escalating violence that has gripped Ecuador, where criminal organizations have increasingly adopted military-style tactics to assert dominance and evade law enforcement. The government, led by President Daniel Noboa, has declared a state of emergency in large parts of the country and is seeking international assistance to combat the surge in gang-related violence. With January alone recording 781 homicides, Ecuador faces a daunting challenge in restoring security and curbing the influence of powerful drug cartels and their deadly feuds.
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(Source: BBC | CBS | UNN)
