Violent attacks surge in Ecuador and Colombia, leaving multiple dead and injured

In Manabí, Ecuador, a UNASE anti‑kidnapping operation on 7 July resulted in a police officer being wounded, three suspects detained and a cache of firearms, ammunition and a vehicle seized. The following night, a mass shooting at a funeral in Manta's Santa Ana neighbourhood left four men dead after gunmen opened fire on mourners.

In Colombia, a merchant in Soledad, Atlántico was shot dead outside his store in a killing authorities link to an extortion racket targeting local businesses. Separate from that, a gunman entered the La Terraza disco in Ricaurte, Nariño, opening fire and killing two young men, Jairo Jiménez (25) and Julián Andrés Polanco (20). Both incidents underscore a wave of intimidation and homicide tied to organized extortion groups operating in the region.

Authorities in both countries have launched investigations, seized weapons, and warned of escalating insecurity as criminal networks continue to target civilians and businesses.