Gunmen Kill 17 in Mass Shooting at Ecuador Bar

Gunmen attacked a bar in El Empalme, Guayas province, Ecuador, killing at least 17 people including a 12-year-old boy and injuring over a dozen others in one of the latest violent incidents linked to drug trafficking disputes. The attackers, traveling in two pickup trucks, fired indiscriminately with pistols and rifles and reportedly shouted “Active Wolves,” referencing the criminal group Los Lobos, which competes with Los Choneros for control over drug routes and other illegal operations. Despite President Daniel Noboa declaring an internal armed conflict and pushing for expanded powers to combat organized crime, violence has surged, with homicides rising 47% in the first half of 2025. Authorities recovered more than 40 pieces of ballistic evidence at the scene and are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The Guayas region remains a hotspot for drug-related violence, as Ecuador struggles with being a major transit point for cocaine trafficking. Recent government legal reforms aim to strengthen efforts against armed groups and dismantle drug-trafficking networks fueling ongoing violence.