Violence in Ecuador: Multiple deaths reported in Guayaquil and Portoviejo

A series of violent incidents across Guayaquil and Portoviejo has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. In Portoviejo, a 15-second armed attack in the Picoazá sector left 57-year-old José Rivas Laz dead and two others injured. Authorities are analyzing security footage and 9mm shell casings to identify the suspects in the black vehicle used during the raid.

In Guayaquil, several separate attacks were reported. In the Guasmo sector, police officer Jacob Macías Arboleda was killed in an ambush while off-duty. In the northwest near Consolata, two mechanics with no criminal records were shot and killed by a group of five to six individuals traveling on three motorcycles.

Additionally, in the center-south of Guayaquil, a police officer intervened during an attempted robbery of a street vendor. The confrontation resulted in one suspect being killed and another wounded and apprehended. Local authorities continue to investigate these incidents as violent crime rates remain a significant concern in the region.