Twelve people were killed in Ecuador after gunmen disguised as soldiers opened fire at a cockfighting event.
Twelve people have been killed in Ecuador after gunmen wearing military uniforms opened fire at a crowded cockfighting arena in the northern province of Esmeraldas. The attack happened late Saturday night, when armed men stormed the event and began shooting indiscriminately at spectators.
Authorities said the assailants arrived in several vehicles and pretended to be soldiers before opening fire. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, but officials believe it may be linked to rising gang violence and drug trafficking in the region.
Ecuador has faced a surge in violent crime in recent years, with President Daniel Noboa declaring a state of emergency in response to escalating cartel activity.
In a statement, the national police confirmed the death toll and said several others were injured. “This act of violence will not go unpunished,” the police said.