close
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.
Infighting between factions of a gang vying for control over territory in Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil, left nearly two dozen people dead, authorities said on Friday.
Gun battles broke out across the northern neighborhood of Nueva Prosperina on Thursday afternoon between members of criminal group Los Tiguerones, local police chief Pablo Davila told reporters.
“Yesterday criminals killed each other in these certain parts of town,” Davila said. “The problem is that they know each other, they know where they live, and they’re fighting over who has power over that territory.”
ECUADOR’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION GOES TO RUNOFF BETWEEN CONSERVATIVE INCUMBENT, LEFTIST LAWYER
Police launched an offensive in response, carrying out around 200 searches and seizing guns and ammunition. Fourteen people, including two minors, were arrested in the area.
Several of those killed and arrested had criminal records, according to authorities, with charges ranging from robbery to drug trafficking.
Ecuador’s National Police presents individuals detained during a police operation following gang clashes that resulted in multiple victims, in Guayaquil, Ecuador in this handout photo distributed on March 7, 2025. (Ecuador Interior Ministry/Handout via REUTERS)
The government in recent weeks has doubled down on its response in Ecuador’s most violent regions, as part of President Daniel Noboa’s war on drug-trafficking gangs.
Los Tiguerones and other gangs are considered terrorist groups by the government.
Noboa, who is seeking re-election in an April runoff vote, has said military and police officers will be allowed to respond to the Guayaquil violence without fear of being punished for acting with a heavy hand.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Defend the country, I will defend you,” he wrote on X.
close Video Pope Leo XIV emerges at Vatican, becomes first American pope Cardinal Robert Prevost…
close Video Chinese soldiers march in Russia's Victory Day parade Chinese soldiers are seen marching…
Amid firings and government shake-ups, the Trump administration has repeatedly been assigning additional job roles…
Democratic leaders erupted late Thursday after it was reported that President Trump had abruptly fired…
close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 8 Fox News Flash top headlines…
close Video Tough-on-crime DA uses lessons learned from mass shooting cases to protect public Republican…