# Assassination of Ecuadorian prosecutor investigating U.S.-E

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/assassination-of-ecuadorian-prosecutor-investigating-us-e
> Updated: 2026-08-15T02:30:23.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

On June 14, Ecuadorian prosecutor Alexandra Bravo was fatally shot in Manta alongside her sister. Bravo had been investigating U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that resulted in at least 221 deaths since September. The investigation included reports from survivors of Ecuadorian fishing vessels alleging torture by gunmen in U.S. military uniforms aboard a U.S.-flagged patrol ship.

Journalist Camila Lourdes Galarza characterized the investigation as evidence of a “growing U.S.-backed military dictatorship in Ecuador.” Additionally, Human Rights Watch director Juanita Goebertus noted that the Trump administration has increased security cooperation with Ecuador without transparency. The assassination led to demands for an independent inquiry into the U.S. military campaign and the actions of Ecuadorian authorities.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Lawyer and public defender Lenin Zambrano assassinated in Manta

Public defender Lenin Zambrano Salcedo was shot and killed while approaching his vehicle in Manta, Ecuador, following a sporting event press conference.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawyer-and-public-defender-lenin-zambrano-assassinated-in-manta

### 2026-07-31: Ecuadorian Prosecutor Alexandra Bravo Killed While Probing US Boat Strikes

Ecuadorian prosecutor Alexandra Bravo was assassinated in Manta while investigating U.S. boat strikes that killed over 200 people and alleged torture of survivors, sparking calls for an independent probe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadorian-prosecutor-alexandra-bravo-killed-while-probing-us-boat-strikes

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Cite as: Assassination of Ecuadorian prosecutor investigating U.S.-E. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/assassination-of-ecuadorian-prosecutor-investigating-us-e