The early hours of Sunday turned tragic at a nightclub in Santa Lucía, Ecuador, when gunmen opened fire, resulting in eight deaths and several injuries. Police found seven victims on-site, while one succumbed to injuries later in a hospital. The small town of Santa Lucía, located in the coastal province of Guayas, is currently under a state of emergency aimed at combating gang violence. Notably, among the deceased is the nightclub owner, who was the brother of Santa Lucia’s mayor, Ubaldo Urquizo. Local authorities expressed their condolences, offering support to the grieving family.

This incident is part of a disturbing trend, as Guayas has seen a surge in violent episodes recently, including nine fatalities in a pool hall earlier this month and another seventeen in a bar shortly after. President Daniel Noboa declared a war on gang crime in January 2024, yet violence has persisted despite increased military presence in the area. According to government statistics, Ecuador recorded over 4,000 homicides from January to May 2025, partly attributed to its strategic location in the global cocaine trade, with 70% of the world’s supply passing through its ports.

As the country grapples with this ongoing crisis, both locals and officials are seeking solutions to curb the violence plaguing their communities.