At least 22 people have died as a result of a fight between factions of a criminal street gang fighting for control of territory in Ecuador's largest city of Guayaquil, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA, citing local authorities.
On Thursday afternoon, a shootout between members of the criminal gang "Los Tiguerones" took place in the northern district of Nueva Prosperina, local police chief Pablo Davila told reporters. "Yesterday (Thursday) the criminals killed each other in these parts of the city," Davila said. "The problem is that they know each other, they know where they live and they are fighting over who has control of this territory," he added.
In response to the shootout, police launched a specialized operation, carrying out about 200 searches and seizing weapons and ammunition. Fourteen people, including two minors, were detained in the area.
According to authorities, several of those killed and arrested had criminal records, with charges ranging from robbery to drug trafficking.
In recent weeks, the government has stepped up its measures in Ecuador's most violent areas as part of President Daniel Noboa's war on drug trafficking gangs. The government considers "Los Tiguerones" and other criminal groups to be terrorist organizations, Reuters notes.