22 Dead in Violent Gang Clashes in Ecuador's Guayaquil

In a chilling escalation of gang violence, Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil, witnessed deadly clashes that left 22 people dead. The violent infighting erupted as factions of the notorious criminal group Los Tiguerones battled for territorial dominance, according to police reports on Friday.

Gunfire swept through the northern neighborhood of Nueva Prosperina on Thursday afternoon, as rival gang members turned the streets into a warzone. Local police chief Pablo Davila described the situation grimly: "These criminals know each other, know where they live, and are fighting over control of this territory." It's a turf war with a disturbingly personal edge.

In response, authorities launched an aggressive crackdown, conducting approximately 200 searches and confiscating firearms and ammunition. Fourteen individuals, including two minors, were taken into custody. Many of those involved—both the deceased and the arrested—had extensive criminal records, ranging from robbery to drug trafficking.

This surge in violence comes as Ecuador's government intensifies its campaign against drug-trafficking gangs. President Daniel Noboa, up for re-election in April, has classified groups like Los Tiguerones as terrorist organizations. He has vowed to back military and police forces in their efforts to curb the violence, even promising immunity for officers who take decisive action. "Defend the country, I will defend you," Noboa asserted in a message on X.

The government’s heavy-handed approach underscores the urgency to regain control in regions plagued by criminal activity. However, with the body count rising and communities caught in the crossfire, the question remains: how far can these measures go in restoring peace without further escalating the violence?